BASRA, Iraq - Hosts Iraq defeated Qatar 2-1 in the first semi-final of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup at Basra International Stadium in Basra on Monday.

Ibrahim Bayesh put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute with Amro Siraj netting the equaliser for Qatar in the 28th minute.

Aymen Hussein’s goal in the 43rd minute proved decisive as Qatar were unable to produce a special performance in the second half against the home side backed by a crowd at the packed 60,000 capacity venue.

Iraq will await the result of second semi-final between defending champions Bahrain and Oman to know their opponents for the final to be played on January 19.

The second semi-final will kick off at 8:15pm later Monday.

Source: Qatar Olympic Committee