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Iraqis celebrate fourth Gulf Cup win

20 January 2023
29498
2023-01-20 10:43

Celebrations took place across Iraq on Thursday after the country's football team clinched its fourth Gulf Cup after 43 years. Iraq become the Gulf cup champion with a dramatic 3-2 win over Oman in extra time at the Basra international stadium.

The victory sparked wild celebrations on the streets of Basra with people out waving flags, dancing among traffic, and beeping their horns. Iraqis were witnessing a special moment of joy and optimism as its national team won the Gulf Cup for the fourth time. The joy was tinged with tragedy, as at least two people died and many injured after deadly stampede outside Basra stadium.

The tournament started on January 6, with teams from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as well as Yemen and Iraq, the host nation. It’s the first time since 1979 that Iraq has hosted the tournament.

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