DOHA: Bahrain defeated Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup of Nations final in Qatar on Sunday, winning the event for the first time.
Mohamed Al-Romaihi scored the only goal in the 69th minute of the match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium to seal victory in a tournament in which they have finished runners-up on four occasions.
Salman Al-Faraj blew a penalty for the Green Falcons after Mahé Al-Humaidan knocked Salem Al-Dawsari into the Bahrain penalty area.
The defeat will be a tough one for Saudi Arabia to swallow with Salem Al-Dawsari hitting the bar and Salman Al-Faraj failing to convert a penalty.
The Green Falcons had a number of late efforts as they pushed for the equalizer but Bahrain held on for the win sparking scenes of jubilation among the players and fans inside the Abdullah Bin Khalifa stadium.
Bahrain, who last featured in a final in 2004, beat Iraq on penalties in the semifinal in a pulsating match.
Saudi Arabia beat hosts Qatar 1-0 in the semifinal on Thursday to set up their first final since 2014.
The Saudis entered the final looking to win the biennial tournament for the fourth time. During the group stage of the competition, Bahrain had lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia.
