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2019 WAFF Championship
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| بطولة اتحاد غرب آسيا لكرة القدم 2019 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Tournament details | |
| Host country | Iraq |
| Dates | 30 July – 14 August |
| Teams | 9 (from 1 sub-confederation) |
| Venue | 2 (in 2 host cities) |
| Final positions | |
| Champions |  Bahrain (1st title) |
| Runners-up |  Iraq |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 17 |
| Goals scored | 34 (2 per match) |
| Attendance | 148,683 (8,746 per match) |
| Top scorer(s) | Hussein Ali (3 goals) |
| Best player | Hussein Ali |
← 2013 2026 → | |
The 2019 West Asian Football Federation Championship, also called Asiacell WAFF Championship Iraq 2019 due to sponsorship by Asiacell,[1] was the 9th edition of the WAFF Championship, an international tournament for member nations of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF). It was hosted in Iraq for the first time, in the cities of Karbala and Erbil.
The tournament was meant to be held from 8 to 17 December 2017 in Amman, Jordan,[2] but was postponed to a later date,[3] and subsequently moved to Iraq on 21 May 2018.[4] It was then expected to be held in November 2018, but yet again postponed to July–August 2019.[5]
All WAFF members, excluding title holders Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, participated in the competition. Of the nine teams, seven had also appeared in the previous tournament in 2013. A total of 17 matches were played in two venues across two cities. The final took place on 14 August at the Karbala Sports City in Karbala, between hosts Iraq and Bahrain. Bahrain won the match 1–0 to claim their first WAFF Championship title, marking the second consecutive title won by a Gulf team.
Teams
[edit]Participants
[edit]A total of nine teams participated in the competition.[6][7] All WAFF members, other than Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, agreed to take part in the tournament.
| Team | Appearance | Last appearance | Previous best performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain
|
4th | 2013 | Third place |
| Iraq
|
8th | 2013 | Winners |
 Jordan
|
9th | 2013 | Runners-up |
 Kuwait
|
4th | 2013 | Winners |
 Lebanon
|
7th | 2013 | Group stage |
 Palestine
|
9th | 2013 | Group stage |
 Saudi Arabia
|
3rd | 2013 | Group stage |
 Syria
|
8th | 2012 | Winners |
 Yemen
|
3rd | 2012 | Semi-finals |
Draw
[edit]The teams were distributed on 26 June 2019 in Erbil according to their requests.[8][9][10] The nine teams were drawn into two groups: Group A with 5 teams and Group B with 4. While the draw was intended to be held between 18 and 20 July 2019,[11] some teams requested the organizing committee to play in Erbil, therefore placing them in Group B, with the rest of the teams being placed in Group A to play in Karbala.[10] The two group winners directly advanced to the final.[12]
The draw for the group fixtures was held on 20 July 2019 at the Iraq Football Association headquarters in Baghdad.[1]
Squads
[edit]Each team had to register a squad of 23 players, three of whom must be goalkeepers.[13]
Officiating
[edit]|
Referees |
Assistant Referees
|
Venues
[edit]| Karbala | Erbil | |
|---|---|---|
| Karbala Sports City (Karbala International Stadium) |
Franso Hariri Stadium | |
| Capacity: 30,000 | Capacity: 25,000 | |
Group stage
[edit]The WAFF announced the tournament schedule on 20 July 2019.[1] The group winners advance to the final.[12]
All times are local, AST (UTC+3).
Group A
[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iraq (H)
|
4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 10 | Advances to final |
| 2 | Palestine
|
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 | |
| 3 | Yemen
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | |
| 4 | Lebanon
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 4 | |
| 5 | Syria
|
4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 2 |
| Palestine | 1–2 | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
Attendance: 12,980[citation needed]
Referee: Turki Al-Khudhayr (Saudi Arabia)
Group B
[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahrain
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 7 | Advances to final |
| 2 | Jordan
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 | |
| 3 | Kuwait
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 1 |
Source: Goalzz
| Jordan | 0–1 | Bahrain |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Saudi Arabia | 1–2 | Kuwait |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Jordan | 3–0 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Kuwait | 0–1 | Bahrain |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
Final
[edit]Statistics
[edit]Goalscorers
[edit]There have been 34 goals scored in 17 matches, for an average of 2 goals per match.
3 goals
2 goals
1 goal
Isa Moosa
Mohannad Abdul-Raheem- Ibrahim Bayesh
Salem Al-Ajalin- Saeed Murjan
- Yousef Al-Rawashdeh
- Feras Shelbaieh
Faisal Ajab- Hussain Al-Musawi
- Faisal Zayid
Mohamad Kdouh- Nader Matar
- Hassan "Moni" Chaito
Yaser Hamed- Mohammed Yameen
Rabee Sufyani
Ahmad Al Douni- Mardik Mardikian
- Khaled Mobayed
Emad Mansoor- Mohsen Qarawi
Final ranking
[edit]As per statistical convention in football, matches decided in extra time are counted as wins and losses, while matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahrain
|
4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 10 | Champions |
| 2 | Iraq
|
5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 10 | Runners-up |
| 3 | Palestine
|
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 | Eliminated in the Group stage |
| 4 | Jordan
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 | |
| 5 | Kuwait
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| 6 | Yemen
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | |
| 7 | Lebanon
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 4 | |
| 8 | Syria
|
4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 2 | |
| 9 | Saudi Arabia
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 1 |
Source: WAFF
Prize money
[edit]Prize money amounts were announced in 2019.[14]
| Position | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Champions | 100,000 |
| Runner-up | 50,000 |
| Total | 150,000 |
Broadcasting rights
[edit]The WAFF sold the broadcasting rights for the 2019 WAFF Championship to the following broadcasters.[15][16]
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Iraq
|
Al Iraqiya Sports Duhok Sport |
| Jordan
|
Jordan Sport |
| Kuwait
|
KTV Sports |
| Lebanon
|
Télé Liban |
| Syria
|
Sharjah Sports |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c ""آسيا سيل" ترعى بطولة اتحاد غرب آسيا التاسعة للرجال". The WAFF. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- ^ "7 منتخبات تؤكد المشاركة في غرب آسيـا ومنتخبنـا يرسل قائمته الأوليـة". shabiba.com (in Arabic). 7 November 2017.
- ^ "تأجيل بطولة غرب آسيا لكرة القدم". Alrai. 25 November 2017.
- ^ "Iraq to host first international football tournament". AFP.com. 21 May 2018.
- ^ إسماعيل, بغداد-علي. "العراق يحدد المدن التي ستستضيف بطولة غرب آسيا 2019". alaraby.
- ^ "ملعب كربلاء جاهز لاستضافة بطولة غرب آسيا للرجال" [Karbala Stadium ready to host the West Asian Men's Championship]. كووورة. 13 March 2019.
- ^ "منتخب السعودية يعلن مشاركته في بطولة غرب آسيا لكرة القدم". سيناء الاخباري. 11 June 2019. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- ^ العراق يُحدد مجموعتي غرب آسيا دون إجراء القرعة!
- ^ "الفدائي ضمن المجموعة الأولى لبطولة غرب آسيا". شبكة أطلس سبورت. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ^ a b الفلسطينية, وكالة الصحافة (27 June 2019). ""الفدائي" في المجموعة الأولى لبطولة غرب أسيا". وكالة الصحافة الفلسطينية. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ^ Lebanon, Football. "اتحاد غرب آسيا يتابع التحضيرات لبطولة الرجال في العراق". football-lebanon.com. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ a b "توزيع المنتخبات على مجموعتين في بطولة غرب آسيا". كووورة. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
- ^ "خمسة حراس في منتخب لبنان". lebanonfg.com. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
- ^ "بطولة غرب آسيا: العراق ولبنان يفتتحان النسخة التاسعة". beIN SPORTS (in Arabic). Retrieved 23 July 2019.
- ^ "خمس قنوات تنقل بطولة غرب آسيا". lebanonfg.com. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
- ^ "الوزير فنيش شاكراً نظيره العراقيّ: تلفزيون لبنان سينقل مواجهتيّ لبنان مع سوريا وفلسطين". football-lebanon.com. 1 August 2019. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
External links
[edit]2019 WAFF Championship
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Dates and format
The 2019 WAFF Championship was held from 30 July to 14 August 2019 in Iraq, under the organization of the West Asian Football Federation.[7][8] The tournament adopted a group stage followed by a knockout final, featuring exactly nine West Asian national teams divided into two uneven groups: one comprising five teams and the other four teams.[9][10] Each group competed in a single round-robin format, where every team played every other team once, awarding three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.[10] The winner of each group advanced directly to the final, contested as a single-elimination match on 14 August, with no third-place playoff scheduled.[10][8] In total, 17 matches were played across the group stages and final, reflecting the structure of 10 group matches in the five-team group, six in the four-team group, and one final.[11] No postponements or unique scheduling adjustments affected the 2019 edition beyond its standard timeline.[10]Host selection
The 2019 WAFF Championship was originally scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, from 8 to 17 December 2017, but the event was postponed indefinitely.[12] On 21 May 2018, the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) awarded the hosting rights to Iraq, marking the first time the country would stage the tournament.[13] The tournament was initially scheduled for November 2018 but was further postponed to 2019 due to scheduling conflicts with the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.[14] This selection followed FIFA's decision on 16 March 2018 to lift a three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international matches, imposed since 1990 amid ongoing conflicts and instability.[15] The choice of Iraq reflected the nation's improved security environment after the territorial defeat of ISIS in late 2017, which enabled the construction and readiness of modern stadiums suitable for regional competitions.[16]Teams
Participants
The 2019 WAFF Championship included nine teams drawn from the full members of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF): Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.[17] The tournament operated on an invitational basis for eligible WAFF members, with Qatar (the 2014 defending champions), Oman, and the United Arab Emirates absent, reportedly due to commitments surrounding the 2019 AFC Asian Cup or other scheduling conflicts. These teams were divided into two uneven groups of five and four, respectively, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stages. Iraq, as the host nation, entered with significant home advantage and a storied WAFF history, including their 2002 title win and multiple final appearances, such as runners-up in 2012.[18] Syria, the 2012 champions who defeated Iraq in that final, arrived as strong contenders bolstered by consistent regional performances in the intervening years.[19] Bahrain sought their first WAFF crown, building on semifinal runs in prior editions like 2007 and 2012, while Jordan aimed to leverage their experience as 2004 runners-up and frequent quarterfinalists. Kuwait, the 2010 winners, brought pedigree from their previous title, though their form had been inconsistent leading into 2019. Lebanon and Palestine, perennial participants without a title but with notable upsets in past tournaments—such as Palestine's 2008 semifinal—hoped to capitalize on group-stage opportunities. Saudi Arabia returned to the competition after a hiatus, adding depth with their national team's emerging talent from Asian Cup qualifiers. Yemen rounded out the field, participating to build experience despite logistical challenges, having competed in every edition since 2000 without advancing beyond the groups.Draw
The draw for the 2019 WAFF Championship took place on 20 July 2019 at the premises of the Iraq Football Association in Baghdad.[9] Prior to the event, the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) circulated the draw mechanism to all participating member associations to ensure transparency in the process.[9] The nine qualified teams were divided into two uneven groups: Group A with five teams, hosted at Karbala International Stadium in Karbala, and Group B with four teams, hosted at Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil.[20] Seeding was applied to key positions, with host nation Iraq automatically placed in Group A as A1 and Jordan, runners-up from the previous edition, placed in Group B as B1; the remaining seven teams were then drawn into the groups without further specified pots or rankings criteria.[9] This resulted in Group A comprising Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen, while Group B included Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.[21][20] The assignment accommodated logistical preferences, such as venue locations, and avoided placing top regional rivals in the same group early on, though no major surprises emerged from the proceedings.[9] The schedule for group stage matches was finalized shortly after the draw.[9]Squads
Each of the nine participating teams registered a squad of 23 players, including three goalkeepers, in accordance with tournament regulations.[22] IraqHead coach Srečko Katanec named a 23-man squad featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talents from domestic clubs. Notable inclusions included midfielder Hussein Ali from Al-Shorta SC, forward Mohannad Abdul-Raheem from Al-Zawraa SC, and defender Saad Natiq from Al-Shorta SC, emphasizing a balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair. No major withdrawals were reported.[23][24] Bahrain
Under head coach Hélio Sousa, Bahrain's 23-player roster combined senior internationals with U-23 prospects preparing for future qualifiers. Key figures included forward Jaycee John from Al-Muharraq SC, midfielder Ali Madan from Al-Muharraq SC, and goalkeeper Ebrahim Lari from Al-Hidd SCC, focusing on technical midfield control. The squad was finalized from a preliminary list of 28 players after a training camp in Portugal.[6][22] Jordan
Vital Borkelmans led Jordan with a 23-man squad drawn from a preliminary group of 31 players. Standout selections were forward Anas Al-Ayyash from Al-Jazeera SC, midfielder Salem Al-Ajalin from Al-Faisaly SC, and defender Baha' Abdel-Rahman from Al-Wehdat SC, highlighting speed on the wings and set-piece expertise. Absences included forward Musa Al-Taamari and goalkeeper Amer Shafi due to international commitments.[22][25] Saudi Arabia
Head coach Yousef Anbar selected a 23-player panel from a 24-man preliminary shortlist, prioritizing domestic-based players for cohesion. Prominent names were midfielder Salman Al-Faraj from Al-Hilal SFC (captain), forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan from Al-Ittihad Club, and defender Yasir Al-Shahrani from Al-Hilal SFC, aiming for a robust defensive structure. The squad saw no significant last-minute changes.[26] Kuwait
Romeo Jozak's 23-man squad emphasized youth integration with veterans, finalized from an initial pool without reported injuries. Key inclusions comprised goalkeeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoor from Al-Arabi SC, midfielder Shabaib Al-Zori from Al-Qadsia SC, and forward Bader Al-Mutawa from Qadsia SC, blending experience with emerging pace. No withdrawals were noted.[27] Syria
Fajr Ibrahim coached a 23-player roster reduced from 26, featuring battle-tested players amid regional challenges. Notable selections included forward Firas Al-Khatib from Al-Karamah SC, midfielder Ahmad Al-Salih from Al-Shorta SC, and goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma from Tishreen SC, focusing on midfield dominance. Midfielder Mohammed Al-Wakid withdrew due to injury, replaced by a reserve.[28] Lebanon
Head coach Liviu Ciobotariu assembled a 23-man squad from a 42-player preliminary list, incorporating diaspora talent. Standouts were forward Soony Saad from Columbus Crew SC, midfielder Hassan Maatouk from Al-Ansar SC (captain), and defender Jamal Taha from Al-Ansar SC, prioritizing attacking versatility. No last-minute alterations occurred.[29] Palestine
Noureddine Ould Ali's final 23-player squad highlighted opportunities for debutants, with several overseas professionals unavailable. Key figures included forward Oday Dabbagh from Hilal Al-Quds Club, midfielder Mahmoud Abu Warda from Hilal Al-Quds Club, and defender Abdelatif Bahdari from Shabab Al-Khalil SC (captain). Withdrawals encompassed forwards Amr Kaddoura and Mahmoud Wadi (club duties), midfielder Mohammed Saleh (ACL injury), and defender Musab Al-Battat (personal reasons).[30] Yemen
Sami Al Hadi (also known as Sami Al-Nash) named a 23-player group from 30 initial candidates, relying on resilient domestic talent. Prominent inclusions were forward Abdulwasea Al-Matari from Al-Ahli SC, midfielder Mohammed Ayash from Al-Wehda Club, and defender Mudir Abdurabu from Al-Tilal SC, emphasizing counter-attacking potential. The squad experienced no reported changes.[31]
Venues
Karbala Sports City
Karbala Sports City, situated in the holy city of Karbala in central Iraq, served as the primary venue for the 2019 WAFF Championship, accommodating all matches from Group A as well as the tournament final. The complex's centerpiece, Karbala International Stadium, boasts a capacity of 30,000 spectators and features 30,000 red seats arranged in a modern, enclosed design without a running track to optimize sightlines for football.[32][33] Inaugurated on 12 May 2016 with an exhibition match between the Iraqi national team and local club Karbala FC, the stadium was constructed as part of a broader sports city development to elevate regional athletic infrastructure. Its facilities include a natural grass pitch measuring standard international dimensions, advanced floodlighting for evening fixtures, and comprehensive amenities such as VIP lounges, media centers, and parking for thousands of vehicles, ensuring compliance with FIFA guidelines for senior international competitions. The sports city itself encompasses additional elements like training fields and auxiliary buildings, forming a self-contained hub that supported the tournament's logistical needs.[32][34] Group A, comprising hosts Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen, played their round-robin fixtures exclusively at the venue from 30 July to 11 August 2019, totaling ten matches that showcased competitive regional rivalries. The championship culminated in the final on 14 August 2019, where Bahrain defeated Iraq 1–0 to claim the title. Attendance varied across the group stage, reflecting strong local interest, while the decisive match drew a capacity crowd of 30,000, underscoring the venue's role in fostering a vibrant atmosphere for Iraqi football.[35][36][37]Franso Hariri Stadium
Franso Hariri Stadium, located in Erbil, Iraq, served as the secondary venue for the 2019 WAFF Championship, hosting all matches of Group B.[8] The stadium, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, was originally constructed in 1956 and underwent significant renovations in 1992, enhancing its facilities for international events.[38] It was renamed in 2001 to honor Franso Hariri, a prominent Kurdish politician and former governor of Erbil who was assassinated that year, reflecting its cultural and historical importance in the Kurdistan Region.[39] Prior to the tournament, the stadium received preparatory upgrades, including finishing touches to ensure readiness for the matches, with workers completing work as teams arrived in early August 2019.[36] The pitch was maintained in suitable condition for competitive play, supporting the high-intensity group stage fixtures without reported issues. Erbil's role as co-host highlighted the city's growing prominence in regional sports, drawing teams and fans to the northern venue.[40] The venue primarily hosted Group B encounters featuring Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, from August 4 to 10, 2019. Key matches included Jordan's 0–1 defeat to Bahrain on August 4 (attendance: 3,500), Saudi Arabia's 1–2 loss to Kuwait on the same day (attendance: 5,500), Bahrain's 0–0 draw with Saudi Arabia on August 7, and Kuwait's 1–1 stalemate against Jordan on August 8.[41][42][43] Attendance varied, with figures reflecting local enthusiasm but also the tournament's regional scale, peaking at over 5,000 for popular clashes while dipping lower for later group games.[36]Officiating
Referees
The referees for the 2019 WAFF Championship were selected by the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) from the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) elite list of international referees, emphasizing officials with substantial experience in regional tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and other continental competitions. All appointed referees held FIFA international badges, ensuring high standards of officiating for the nine-team event hosted in Iraq.[44] The main referees hailed primarily from WAFF member nations, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the confederation's focus on regional representation while drawing on broader AFC expertise. This selection process aimed to promote fairness and familiarity with West Asian football dynamics. Key appointments included the following main referees, who officiated group stage and knockout matches:| Referee | Nationality | Notable Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Al-Samaheeji | Bahrain | Iraq 2–1 Yemen (group stage) |
| Wathik Al-Baag | Iraq | Kuwait 0–1 Bahrain (group stage) |
| Mohammad Arafah | Jordan | Syria 0–0 Iraq (group stage) |
| Saad Khalefah | Kuwait | Yemen 2–1 Lebanon (group stage) |
| Mohamad Issa | Lebanon | Various group stage matches |
| Turki Al-Khudair | Saudi Arabia | Final: Iraq 0–1 Bahrain |
Assistant referees
The assistant referees for the 2019 WAFF Championship were drawn from WAFF member nations to support the main referees in group stage and knockout matches, handling duties such as offside calls and boundary decisions. Fourth officials were also appointed from the same pool to manage substitutions and timekeeping. No Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was used in the tournament. The following officials served as assistant referees in various matches:- Salah Janahi (Bahrain): First assistant referee in the Group A match between Iraq and Lebanon on 30 July 2019 at Karbala International Stadium.[50]
- Mahmoud Abu-Thaher (Jordan): Second assistant referee in the Group A match between Iraq and Lebanon on 30 July 2019 at Karbala International Stadium.[50]
- Hamed Talib Al Ghafri (Oman): First assistant referee in the Group A match between Syria and Yemen on 5 August 2019 at Karbala International Stadium.[51]
- Khalaf Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia): Assistant referee in multiple matches, including the final between Iraq and Bahrain on 14 August 2019 at Karbala Sports City.[49]
Group stage
Group A
Group A of the 2019 WAFF Championship featured five teams: hosts Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. The group operated in a single round-robin format, with each team playing four matches, for a total of ten fixtures held exclusively at Karbala Sports City in Karbala, Iraq, from 30 July to 11 August 2019. The group winner advanced to the final.[52][43] The group stage commenced on 30 July with Iraq defeating Lebanon 1–0, thanks to a first-half goal by Hussain Ali, securing the hosts' opening victory in front of a home crowd. On 31 July, Palestine edged Yemen 1–0, with Yaser Hamed's lone strike proving decisive in a tightly contested affair.[53][54] Two days later, on 2 August, Iraq maintained their momentum by overcoming Palestine 2–1 at Karbala Sports City; Islam Batran gave Palestine an early lead from the penalty spot, but Mohanad Ali and Humam Tariq turned the game around for the hosts. On 3 August, Lebanon claimed a 2–1 win over Syria, with goals from Hilal El Hassan and Hassan Maatouk sandwiching Firas Al-Khatib's response. The third matchday on 5 August produced two draws: Syria and Yemen shared the spoils in a 1–1 stalemate, with Firas Al-Khatib scoring for Syria and Mohammed Al-Dahi equalizing for Yemen, while Lebanon and Palestine fought out a goalless 0–0 encounter on 6 August, both sides prioritizing defensive solidity.[55][56] On 8 August, the action continued with Iraq held to a 0–0 draw by Syria on 9 August in a cagey matchup marked by few chances, and Yemen securing their first win of the tournament, a 2–1 victory over Lebanon, where Mohammed Al-Dahi and Ali Al-Namani struck for the winners before Hassan Chaito pulled one back late.[57] The final group matches on 11 August determined the qualifiers: Iraq topped the group with a 2–1 win over Yemen, goals from Justin Meram and Amjad Attwan overcoming Al-Namani's reply, while Palestine recorded a 4–3 triumph against Syria, highlighted by Oday Dabbagh's brace in a seven-goal spectacle that featured three penalties.[58][59]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iraq (H) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 10 | Advance to final |
| 2 | Palestine | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 | |
| 3 | Yemen | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | |
| 4 | Lebanon | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 4 | |
| 5 | Syria | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 2 |
Group B
Group B of the 2019 WAFF Championship consisted of four teams: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, competing in a single round-robin format where each team played the others once.[4] The group winner advanced to the final. Bahrain emerged as group winners with an unbeaten record, showcasing a strong defensive performance by conceding no goals across their three matches.[3] The group stage matches for Group B were played between August 4 and August 10, 2019, at venues in Iraq. On August 4, Jordan faced Bahrain in Karbala, resulting in a 0–1 victory for Bahrain, with the sole goal coming from Mohamed Marhoon in the 76th minute. On August 5 in Erbil, Saudi Arabia hosted Kuwait, where Kuwait secured a 1–2 win, with goals from Yousef Nasser (45+1') and Faisal Al-Harbi (90+4') for Kuwait, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan (67') for Saudi Arabia.[60][61] On August 7, Bahrain played Saudi Arabia in Erbil, ending in a goalless 0–0 draw that highlighted both teams' defensive solidity but left Saudi Arabia struggling for points. On August 8 in the same venue, Kuwait drew 1–1 with Jordan, with Redha Hani scoring for Kuwait in the 3rd minute from a penalty and Ali Olwan equalizing for Jordan in the 90+3rd minute.[62][63] The final round of matches occurred on August 10. Bahrain defeated Kuwait 0–1 in Karbala, with Jaycee John scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute, confirming Bahrain's top position. Simultaneously in Erbil, Jordan thrashed Saudi Arabia 3–0, with goals from Noor Al-Rawabdeh (59'), Yazan Al-Nuaimat (71'), and Ahmad Ersan (88'), eliminating Saudi Arabia from contention.[64][65] Notable aspects included Bahrain's clean sheet throughout the group stage, a rare feat that underscored their tactical discipline under coach Miroslav Soukup, and Saudi Arabia's surprising early exit despite their regional pedigree, marking only their second loss to Kuwait in competitive play since 2010. Jordan and Kuwait finished level on points but Jordan advanced as runners-up due to a superior goal difference.[3][66]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahrain | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 7 | Advance to final |
| 2 | Jordan | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 | |
| 3 | Kuwait | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 1 |
Final
Build-up
The final of the 2019 WAFF Championship was contested between host nation Iraq, winners of Group A, and Bahrain, who topped Group B.[67] The match was scheduled for 14 August 2019 at Karbala Sports City in Karbala, Iraq. Iraq, coached by Srečko Katanec, entered the decider targeting their first WAFF title since 2002, with the tournament providing valuable experience for a young squad amid their return to hosting international football.[67] Bahrain, under Hélio Sousa, sought their maiden championship in what marked their fourth participation in the competition and their first final appearance.[68] This encounter represented the first time the two nations had met in a WAFF final.[69] Both teams utilized the event as key preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the Iraqi organizing committee having finalized logistical arrangements for the tournament in advance.[2][70] Pre-tournament press conferences highlighted the competitive stakes, as Bahrain's Sousa emphasized the tournament's role in building momentum for upcoming qualifiers.[71] Iraq anticipated leveraging home support at Karbala Sports City to fuel their campaign.[72]Match
The final of the 2019 WAFF Championship was held on 14 August 2019 at Karbala Sports City in Karbala, Iraq, between host nation Iraq and Bahrain.[6] The match was officiated by Saudi Arabian referee Turki Al-Khudair, with assistance from Khalaf Al-Shamari and Mahmoud Abu Thaer, and Mohammad Arafah as the fourth official.[73] Bahrain secured a historic 1–0 victory, claiming their first WAFF Championship title.[74] The game began with Iraq asserting dominance in possession, leveraging home support from a record crowd of 30,000 spectators to press forward early.[6][8] Bahrain, under coach Hélio Sousa, adopted a compact defensive shape to absorb pressure and counter effectively. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Isa Ali Mousa latched onto a through ball and slotted past Iraq's goalkeeper Jalal Hachim to give Bahrain the lead just before halftime.[6][74] In the second half, Iraq intensified their attacks and created several chances, including efforts from Hussein Ali and Amjad Attwan, but Bahrain's goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.[8][74] Iraq introduced fresh legs with changes like Bashar Resan for Saad Natiq around the 60th minute to chase an equalizer.[75] The match turned chaotic in stoppage time when Iraq's Ibrahim Bayesh received a red card in the 90th minute and Ahmad Ibrahim was shown a yellow card.[76] No yellow cards were notably reported earlier, and the game featured limited shots on target, with Bahrain's efficiency proving decisive.[77]Statistics
Goalscorers
A total of 34 goals were scored in the 2019 WAFF Championship across 17 matches, resulting in an average of 2 goals per game.[11] Hussein Ali of Iraq led the tournament in scoring with 3 goals, all recorded during his team's campaign that culminated in the runners-up finish.[78][4] Five players netted 2 goals apiece, contributing significantly to their teams' advances in the group stage and beyond.[78][4] The remaining 21 goals were scored by other players, mostly with single efforts, with no hat-tricks recorded and no notable instances of own goals or penalties highlighted in official tallies.[78][4]| Rank | Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hussein Ali | Iraq | 3 |
| 2 | Firas Al-Khatib | Syria | 2 |
| 2 | Abdulwasea Al-Matari | Yemen | 2 |
| 2 | Islam Batran | Palestine | 2 |
| 2 | Oday Dabbagh | Palestine | 2 |
| 2 | Ismaeel Abdulatif | Bahrain | 2 |
Final ranking
The final ranking of the 2019 WAFF Championship was determined by the group stage performances of all teams, with the positions of the two group winners—Bahrain and Iraq—adjusted solely based on the final match result, where Bahrain defeated Iraq 1–0 to secure first place.[72][8] The runners-up from each group, Palestine and Jordan, were ranked third and fourth respectively, using group stage points as the primary tiebreaker, followed by goal difference if needed.[52] The remaining five teams were ordered by their group stage points, then goal difference, then goals scored for ties between teams from the same or different groups.[52] No semi-finals or third-place match were contested in this tournament edition, which featured an abbreviated knockout phase limited to the final between the group winners.| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahrain | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 10 |
| 2 | Iraq | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 10 |
| 3 | Palestine | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 |
| 4 | Jordan | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 5 | Kuwait | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | Yemen | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 |
| 7 | Lebanon | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 4 |
| 8 | Syria | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 2 |
| 9 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 1 |