Bahrain's players celebrate their goal during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup final match against Saudi Arabia at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Sunday. Karim Jaafar / AFP

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Khalifa International Stadium in Doha saw a thrilling Gulf Cup of Nations final with Bahrain beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 to claim the title.

Bahrain’s Mohammed Al Rumaihi scored the goal at 69^th minute to lead past the Saudis.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated the Bahrain team for winning the Gulf Cup.

Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter, “A Bahraini football night ... Congratulations to Bahrain king, its people and the glittering team ... You deserve joy and the cup... And the brotherly Saudi national team played the match with a sporting spirit... Congratulations to all”

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also said on Twitter, “We congratulate our brothers in the Kingdom of Bahrain for winning the Gulf Cup title... We commend the honourable performance of the brotherly Saudi national team.”

The first half went goalless with both teams trying their best to find the net.

The two teams met in the Gulf Championships 18 times, Saudi Arabia outperformed 10 times, Bahrain 4 times, and the draw attended 4 times. Saudi Arabia’s attack scored 31 goals versus 18 goals for Bahrain.

The qualification of the two teams for the final match was deserved and realistic in the eyes of most of the championship critics because of the way the coaches of the two teams, Hervey Renard and Helio Souza, dealt with the group league matches, where they reached the third match in a moderate format and the ability to keep up with all circumstances, especially in physical terms.