Iraq Clinches Gulf Cup for Veterans 2025 Title in Dramatic Penalty Shootout
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 26: Iraq's national football team emerged victorious in the inaugural Gulf Cup for Veterans 2025 after defeating Oman in a penalty shootout, with the match ending in a goalless draw after regular time. The shootout concluded with a 4-3 victory for Iraq, securing the title. Iraq's goalkeeper, Noor Sabri, was named the best goalkeeper, and Karrar Jassim received the best player award, while Oman's Ismail Al-Ajmi earned the title of top scorer. The tournament, hosted by Kuwait, received praise for its excellent organization and the high level of competition.
A simple closing ceremony, complete with fireworks and performances, took place before the final match. Hassan Matar Al-Suwaidi, Chairman of the Veterans Committee of the Gulf Football Federation, commended the success of the tournament, highlighting the players' distinguished performances despite the short time and pressure. He also expressed gratitude to Kuwait for hosting the event and ensuring a seamless organization.
Mohsen Musabah, Vice President of the Veterans Committee, thanked the Ministry of Information and Culture, as well as the Kuwait Football Association, for their excellent hosting of the tournament. He also acknowledged the warm welcome provided by Kuwait and praised the fans and media for their support, which helped give the tournament the attention it deserved.
Iraqi goalkeeper Noor Sabri expressed his joy, noting that the tournament surpassed expectations in terms of both organization and the high level of competition. He mentioned that the event was initially thought to be just for entertainment, but the remarkable organization and the quality of play made it much more exciting than anticipated.
Oman's coach, Younis Aman, shared his thoughts after the final, stating that there were no losers in the Gulf Veterans Championship, and that all participants were winners. He thanked the Kuwaiti Federation and the Arabian Gulf Cup Federation for organizing such a memorable event, which brought back special memories for all involved. He concluded by praising his players and staff for their hard work and dedication.
This edition of the Gulf Cup for Veterans left a lasting impression on everyone involved, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie and high-level football, and set a strong precedent for future tournaments.
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