Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Gulf Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 3-2 defeat to Bahrain in Group B on Sunday.
Bahrain struck first with two first-half goals from Mahdi Abduljabbar and Mahdi Al-Humaidan, giving them an early advantage.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s efforts to mount a comeback, with Musab Al-Juwayr pulling one back in the 73rd minute, Bahrain restored their two-goal lead just three minutes later through Mohamed Marhoon’s exquisite lob over goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi.
Saleh Al-Shehri’s late penalty in the 86th minute narrowed the deficit, but Saudi Arabia couldn’t find an equalizer.
This defeat extends Saudi Arabia’s winless streak in competitive matches to seven, raising concerns about their form.
Bahrain, on the other hand, climbed to the top spot in Group B with three points, tied with Iraq.
Saudi Arabia’s next game in the tournament will be against Yemen on Wednesday, while Bahrain will face Iraq on the same day.
The pressure is on for Saudi Arabia to secure a top-two finish in Group B to advance in the tournament.
