Bahrain on Saturday evening drew with Oman 0-0 in the opening match of the 21st Gulf Football Cup which opened at the Bahrain National Stadium and runs until January 18.
Both teams secured one point each in the match was officiated by Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov.
The 21st Gulf Cup, which kicked off on Saturday, is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the National Stadium in Riffa.
The Royal patronage of this edition of the Gulf Cup confirms HM King Hamad’s constant interest to promote the sports movement in the kingdom and keenness to put in place all kinds of support required for the success of such a prestigious GCC sports gathering.
The Royal kind gesture is in line with his desire to honour the sports community across the GCC and will motivate all sides to rise up to the challenge and do their utmost in order to project a good image of the competition.
GCC sports community has expressed pride in the Royal patronage of the most important sports competition across the region, noting that HM the King’s support will add value to it, make it a grand success, meet the expectations of GCC citizens and make it a very special occasion for everyone and enhance joint GCC action.
The GCC peoples recall with pride the kingdom’s pioneering position regarding the Gulf Cup as its home the maiden edition of the competition dating back to 1970.
The organizing committee of the 21st Gulf Cup has already invited senior GCC sports officials to attend the opening ceremony and matches.
It also invited top international football officials, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter, UEFA President Michel Platini, and many others.
The organizing committee has also finalized all preparations ahead of the opening ceremony which will be, according to the panel’s Executive Secretary Mariam Yousif, short but expressive, with themes and artistic cultural shows performed through Bahraini and other GCC dances.