KUWAIT CITY: Iraq on Tuesday fought back after a conceding an early goal to beat defending champion Qatar 2-1 in their Gulf Cup match at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium.

Young striker Almoez Ali had given Qatar the lead in the 17th minute with a spectacular left-footed drive but three-time champions Iraq hit back with key strikes from Fayez Ali (45) and substitute Ali Husny
(66).

It was Qatar’s first loss in two matches while Tuesday’s narrow win
revived Iraq hopes of a semi-final berth following a 1-1 draw against Bahrain on Saturday.

In another Group B match at the same venue on Tuesday, Bahrain edged past Yemen 1-0 to get their first win.