Bahrain close to booking semi-final spot in Gulf Cup 25

Basra, Jan. 11 (BNA): Defending champions Bahrain have moved one step closer to booking a slot in the semi-finals after beating their Qatari counterparts 2-1 in the second round of the group stage of the eight-nation 25th Arabian Gulf Cup. The national team staged a stunning comeback in the second half to storm to a 2-1 victory over Qatar in a thrilling Group B game, held at the Al Minaa Olympic Stadium in Basra, Iraq. Holders Bahrain now lead the four-team group with six points from their two wins in their two previous matches against the UAE and Qatar. They will need only a draw in their last game against Kuwait on Friday to ensure that they top the group.