Saudi Arabia Qualifies for Semi-finals of 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 3–1 Victory Over Iraq

28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
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Saudi Arabia Qualifies for Semi-finals of 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 3–1 Victory Over Iraq

28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa

The Saudi national football team has secured its qualification for the semi-finals of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup after defeating Iraq 3-1 in its final group-stage match in Kuwait on Saturday.
Saudi goals came from Forward Salem Al-Dawsari, who converted a penalty in the 57th minute, and Striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who scored in the 81st and 86th minutes. Iraq’s sole goal was scored by Forward Mohanad Ali in the 64th minute.
With this victory, the Saudi team increased its points tally to six and secured its place in the semi-finals alongside group leader Bahrain.

Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal congratulated the Saudi national football team players, along with the technical and administrative staff.

The minister extended his congratulations during a phone call with President of the Saudi Football Federation Yasser Almisehal, expressing his gratitude for the players’ outstanding performance and high spirit, as well as the efforts of the technical and administrative staff.
Prince Abdulaziz wished the national team continued success in showcasing their renowned skills and achieving the tournament title.



Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships

Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships
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Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships

Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships

The World Bowls Tour has reversed a decision to bar Israeli players from this month's World Indoor Bowls Championships in England after putting in place additional security measures.

The WBT said in a statement that the Israelis were welcome to participate in the Jan. 10-26 tournament at Potters Resorts in Hopton-on-Sea, near the eastern port of Great Yarmouth.

"Significant additional security measures have been put in place," it explained, Reuters reported.

"The WBT acknowledges that this has been a difficult time for all involved and we are pleased that we have been able to achieve an outcome that includes players for all supporting countries."

The U-turn restores Daniel Alomin to the singles draw and Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi to the pairs.

The original decision, which followed a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups, was condemned by a local parliamentarian and Jewish representatives.

The WBT is not affiliated with World Bowls, the Melbourne-based international federation that organises a rival World Bowls Indoor Championships.