Here are the live streaming, timing, venue and telecast details for the Oman Vs Bahrain, Arabian Gulf Cup 2024-25 final match
In a regional tournament dominated by FIFA World Cup-competing teams, two unheralded teams will compete in the final. That's the simple preview ahead of the Arabian Gulf Cup 2024-25 final, and the contenders are Oman and Bahrain. (More Football News)
Here's all you need to know about Saturday's OMA vs BHR title clash of the Arabian Gulf Cup 2024-25, including telecast information and squads.
Also known as Gulf Cup Of Nations, this regional tournament was launched in 1970. In its 55 years of existence, it has seen seven winners. And unmistakably so, Oman and Bahrain have a combined total of three wins, two for the former, in 25 previous editions. But in this iteration, they are the unbeaten ones -- Oman winning Group A and Bahrain claiming Group B honours.
In Group A, Rashid Jaber's Al-Ahmar, the Reds, played out 1-1 draws with hosts Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, then stunned FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar 2-1 after conceding a second-minute goal. Issam Al-Sabhi, the Al-Nahda forward, scored both goals.
It was followed by yet another massive upset, 2-1 over Saudi Arabia in the semi-final thanks to goals from Al-Seeb pair Arshad Al-Alawi and Ali Al-Busaidi.
Bahrain were four places above Oman in the FIFA rankings when the Gulf Cup Of Nations 2024-25 draw was conducted, 76th against 80th. And they also pulled off giant-killing acts -- wins against Saudi Arabia (3-2) and Iraq (2-0) before a 1-2 slump against Yemen in an inconsequential final group match. Kuwait-based Mohamed Marhoon then scored the all-important goal in the semi-final win against Kuwait.
Historically, Oman vs Bahrain clashes have been closely fought affairs. In their 40 previous meetings, Oman lead Bahrain 12-11 in the head-to-head record with 17 draws. The two teams first met in March 1974 in the Gulf Cup and was won by Bahrain (4-0).
Oman's first win against Bahrain came only in August 1986, a narrow 3-2 win in an international friendly. But Muharabi Dilmun, the Warriors of Dilmun, have dominated their Arabian rivals in recent outings.
They haven't lost to Oman in 24 years, spanning 11 official fixtures. Their last defeat was in September 2010, 0-2 in a friendly. Expectedly, Dragan Talajic Oman will start as the slight favourites against Bahrain.
Oman have won the Arabian Gulf Cup twice, in 2009 and 2017-18, and were the losing finalists in 2004, 2007 and 2023. Bahrain have lifted the trophy in 2019 after final hear-breaks in 1970, 1982, 1992 and 2003-04 editions.
Kuwait, the 10-time champions, are by far the most dominant side in the tournament's history, winning it six more than second-place Iraq. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have won three times each while the UAE are two-time champions.
Yemen are the only team yet to taste success in this regional event organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF). Iraq were the defending champions.
When is Oman vs Bahrain, Gulf Cup of Nations 2024-25 final match?
The Oman vs Bahrain, Gulf Cup of Nations 2024-25 final match at the Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Stadium on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The kick-off time is 9:30 PM IST.
Where to watch the Oman vs Bahrain, Gulf Cup of Nations 2024-25 final match?
The Oman vs Bahrain, Gulf Cup of Nations 2024-25 final match won't be telecast in India.
In Oman, all Gulf Cup of Nations 2024-25 can be watched on STARZPLAY, Shahid, Dubai Sports 1, and Oman TV Sports.
In Bahrain, all Gulf Cup of Nations 2024-25 can be watched on STARZPLAY, Shahid, Dubai Sports 1 and Bahrain Sports 1.
Oman vs Bahrain squads
Oman
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini, Faiz Al-Rushaidi (c), and Ibrahim Al-Rajhi;
Defenders: Mohammed Al-Musalami, Mulham Al-Sinaidi, Ghanim Al-Habashi, Ahmed Al-Khamisi, Amjad Al-Harthi, Thani Al-Rushadi, Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Khalid Al-Braiki, and Ali Al-Busaidi;
Midfielders: Arshad Al-Alawi, Zahir Al-Aghbari, Ahed Al-Mashaiki, Jameel Al-Yahmadi, Abdullah Fawaz, Mataz Saleh, Salaah Al-Yahyaei, Harib Al-Saadi, and Hussein Al-Shahri;
Forwards: Issam Al-Sabhi, Rabia Al-Alawi, Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri, Faraj Al-Kiyumi, and Abdulsalam Al-Shukaili.
Bahrain
Goalkeepers: Ammar Mohamed, Sayed Mohammed Jaffer, and Ebrahim Lutfalla;
Defenders: Amine Benaddi, Waleed Al Hayam, Hamad Al-Shamsan, Sayed Baqer, Hazza Ali, Mohamed Adel, Abdulla Al-Khulasi, and Vincent Emmanuel;
Midfielders: Sayed Dhiya Saeed, Ahmed Al-Sherooqi, Ali Madan, Mohamed Marhoon, Ebrahim Al-Khattal, Abdulwahab Al-Malood, Abbas Al-Asfoor, Jasim Al-Shaikh, Kamil Al-Aswad (c), Mahdi Al-Humaidan, and Sayed Al-Wadaei;
Forwards: Ismail Abdullatif, Mahdi Abduljabbar, Mohamed Al-Romaihi, and Husain Abdulkarim.