Oman drawn with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen at 25th Arabian Gulf Cup

Muscat: Two-time champions Oman have been pooled in a tough group at next year’s 25th Arabian Gulf Cup after the tournament’s draw was held in Basra, Iraq, on Tuesday.

Oman have been pooled in Group A that includes Saudi Arabia, hosts Iraq and Yemen.

Group B comprises Asian Cup champions Qatar, holders Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE.

The eight participating teams will vie for the coveted title from January 6 to 19, 2023.

The Oman delegation at the draw ceremony was represented by Qutaiba al Ghailani, Oman Football Association (OFA) board member, Maqbool al Balushi, national team manager, Salah al Araimi from the national teams department and Younis al Ghafri from the media section.

Qatar Football Association (QFA) president and chairman of Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Iraq's Minister of Youth and Sports Adnan Dirjal, Governor of Basra Asaad Abdulameer Al Eidani, AGCFF secretary-general Jassim Al Rumaihi and other representatives of the participating nations attended the draw ceremony.

Ahead of the draw ceremony, Rumaihi told mediapersons: “The preparations in Iraq for the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup are in full swing to host the tournament, which will be a Gulf carnival. The coordination meetings are continuing and we will share more details regarding the tournament in the coming period.”

The Arabian Gulf Cup was launched in 1970 and is organised after every two years. Qatar hosted the previous edition when Bahrain emerged as champions for their maiden title.

Kuwait are the most successful team in the tournament’s history with ten titles while Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq won the event three times each. Oman and the UAE triumphed in two editions each.

Oman’s maiden title came in 2009 and they won their second crown during the 23rd edition, hosted by Kuwait, in December 2017-January 2018.

Iraq will host the tournament for the second time in their history after the first in 1979, when it hosted the fifth edition in the capital, Baghdad, at Al Shaab International Stadium, and was crowned with its title.