DAMMAM: Bahrain on Saturday edged past Qatar 2-1 in their opening clash of the GCC Games football competition at Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium. Meshal Al Shammari scored the only goal for Qatar in the 73rd minute after Mohammed Hardan and Mohammed fired the two goals for the winners (65 and 70). All three goals were scored within a spate of eight minutes. Bahrain are at the top of the standings with 4 points. Qatar take on Saudi Arabia on Monday. Al Anabi will now be playing for second or third place placements. Qatar adopted an aggressive game tactic but missed several chances to score. Bahrain, on the other hand, converted two chances in the second half for their winning goals and to bag full points from the game. Qatar is featuring in the event to make use of maximum match practice ahead of the AFC U23 Cup to be held in Doha in January 2016.