KUWAIT CITY — Substitute Abdullah Al-Hamddan delivered a game-changing performance, scoring twice to secure Saudi Arabia's place in the semi-finals of the Khaleeji Zain 26 with a 3-1 victory over Iraq.

At Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, the game remained tense until the 53rd minute when VAR intervened, leading to a penalty for Saudi Arabia after a handball. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari calmly converted from the spot to give his team the lead.

Iraq responded swiftly, equalizing in the 63rd minute through Mohanad Ali, much to the dismay of the Saudi fans.

With Saudi Arabia needing only a draw to progress, Al-Hamddan’s introduction proved decisive.

Cutting in from the right in the 81st minute, he unleashed a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner, restoring Saudi’s lead and crushing Iraq’s hopes of defending their title.

As Iraq pressed for an equalizer, Al-Dawsari capitalized on the open spaces, delivering a perfect assist to Al-Hamddan, who sealed the win with his second goal in the 85th minute, securing Saudi’s spot in the last four.

Over at Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium, Yemen shocked Group B leaders Bahrain by taking the lead in the 41st minute. A low cross from Nasser Al-Gahwashi was inadvertently turned into his own net by Bahraini midfielder Ibrahim Al-Khatal.

Bahrain equalized in the 62nd minute through Mohamed Al-Romaihi, but their momentum was halted when Sayed Baqer received a red card with 17 minutes left. Yemen capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Harwan Al-Zubaidi scoring a dramatic late winner to secure Yemen’s first victory in the competition.

With these results, Bahrain finished atop Group B and will face hosts Kuwait, who came second in Group A. Group A winners Oman will take on Saudi Arabia in the other semi-final. Both matches are scheduled for Tuesday night, promising an exciting continuation of the tournament. — SG