UAE beats Iraq 2-1 for Gulf Cup title

United Arab Emirates beat Iraq 2-1 in extra time on Friday to claim its second Gulf Cup title.

Omar Abdulrahman weaved his way past three defenders and chipped in the opening goal for the UAE in the 28th minute. The lead held up until the 81st, when Iraq’s star striker Younis Mahmoud took a pass from Mohannad Karrar in front of the goal and equalized.

Substitute Ismaeel al-Hammadi then decided the game in extra time when he took a pass from Amer al-Hammadi and slotted it past the outstretched arms of golkeeper Noor Sabr in the 107th.

The tournament, shifted from Iraq to Bahrain for safety reasons, was held without incidents despite daily anti-government protests on the island nation.