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Dramatic winner sends Qatar into quarter-finals; Bahrain, Iraq share spoils
Doha: Qatar reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 after a 2-1 victory over Oman, thanks to a stoppage time own goal, while Bahrain and Iraq played out a 0-0 draw in their Group A ties on Friday.

The victory took Qatar’s points tally to six from two victories in as many matches with the Felix Sanchez-coached side having defeated Bahrain 1-0 in their opening match.

Iraq, meanwhile, are on two points while Oman and Bahrain are on one point each.   

Oman 1-2 Qatar
The hosts, backed by their fans, had numerous chances to score but only found the back of the net in the 32nd minute with striker Akram Afif successfully converting from the penalty spot.

Afif almost turned provider just before the half-time whistle when his short throw-in was met by Homam Ahmed but Omani goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini made a spectacular save to deny the Qataris a second goal.
Oman started the second half promisingly and had a chance to draw level in the 52nd minute when Khalid Al Hajri sent a pass to Abdullah Fawaz, but the midfielder couldn’t find the target.

Oman’s persistence was rewarded in the 74th minute when Al Hajri headed the ball into the back of the net following Fawaz's delightful cross from the right flank.

After repeated attacks deep into the match, Qatar got their winner through an own goal by Issam Al Sabhi in added time, who was trying to block a cross but his touch crossed the goal-line. 


Bahrain 0-0 Iraq
Both teams were eager to get a win with Bahrain falling to a 1-0 defeat against Qatar in their opening match on Tuesday, while 10-man Iraq salvaged a 1-1  draw  against  Oman following a last-gasp equaliser off a penalty kick. 

Iraq dominated possession but were wasteful in front of goal with Amjed Attwan, Bashar Resan and Sherko Kareem all coming close inside the opening half hour.

Bahrain played in patches and only had two attempts on goal from Ismaeel Abdulatif and Waleed Al Hayam in the closing stages of the first half as the score remained 0-0 going into the break.
Bahrain were more adventurous in the second half and came close to finding the back of the net through Mohamed Marhoon in the 52nd minute, while Jasim Alshaikh and Komail Alaswad were also denied just after the hour mark.

Neither side could find the breakthrough at the end of 90 minutes as they settled for a draw.

Bahrain play Oman next on Monday with Iraq taking on Qatar.

Click HERE for fixtures and standings.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images