Iraq climbed to the top of Group D in the Arab Cup after securing a 2–1 victory over Bahrain in Doha, while defending champions Algeria were held to a goalless draw by Sudan on Wednesday in the first round of the group stage.
At Stadium 974, Iraq — the record four-time Arab Cup champions, most recently in 1988 — took the lead through an early own goal by Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfallah (10′), followed by a second from Mohanad Ali (25′). Bahrain’s goal came through Sayed Hashim Isa (79′), but they were reduced to ten men in the final minutes after Ibrahim Al-Khattal was shown a direct red card (90+3′).
Iraq opened the scoring when goalkeeper Lutfallah lost balance after parrying Aymen Hussein’s header, mishit the ball with his foot, and inadvertently sent it into his own net (10′).
Lutfallah was later forced off due to injury and replaced by Omar Salem (18′).
Iraq doubled their lead after Sajjad Jassim fired a powerful shot from outside the box, reaching the unmarked Mohanad Ali who controlled and scored (25′).
Salem saved a long-range effort from Hasan Abdulkareem (37′), and defender Amin Benaddi prevented a third Iraqi goal by blocking another strike from Ali (41′).
Bahrain attempted to respond through Mohamed Marhoon (42′) and Mahdi Humaidan (47′). Iraq replied with another effort from Ali, saved by the goalkeeper in two attempts (55′).
Substitute Sayed Hashim Isa narrowed the gap following a run and assist from left-back Abdullah Al-Khalasi (79′).
Mahdi Abduljabbar nearly equalized (85′), but Bahrain’s hopes faded after Al-Khattal’s late red card.
Algeria Show Resilience
At Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, in front of approximately 35,000 spectators, Algeria and Sudan played out their sixth draw in 12 meetings, with Algeria having four wins and Sudan two.
Both teams produced a performance below expectations, particularly Algeria, who are aiming to defend the title they won in 2021 with a secondary squad.
Although Algeria dominated portions of the match, clear chances were limited, with Sudan relying on counterattacks. The balance shifted dramatically late in the first half after Adam Ounas was sent off for a second yellow card (45+4′).
Adel Boulbina was the most active player for Algeria, forcing a deflection off defender Mostafa Karshoum (25′) and later testing goalkeeper Munjid Al-Neel with a powerful strike that was expertly saved (43′).
Ounas’s dismissal forced Algeria into a more defensive game plan. Sudan began the second half strongly, with Mohamed Abdelrahman’s shot pushed to a corner (48′).
Sudan intensified pressure due to their numerical advantage while Algeria withdrew deeper. Abdelraouf Yaqoub came close with a long-range shot just wide (70′), and Algerian goalkeeper Farid Chaâl denied a dangerous cross before Abdelrahman could reach it (74′).
Algeria attempted a late push but failed to produce a decisive chance.
Coach Majid Bougherra commented:
“After the red card, we switched our playing strategy and tried to limit Sudan’s wing play. It was difficult. I told the players at halftime to focus on counterattacks, but Sudan is a strong team.”
