Basra, Iraq – Hosts Iraq entered the final of the Gulf Cup after beating Qatar 2-1 in the first semi-final at Basra International Stadium on Monday.

Iraq took the lead through Ibrahim Bayesh in the 19th minute of the match.

Qatar, who fielded a young side for the tournament after their disappointing World Cup campaign, equalised through Amro Siraj in the 28th minute.

But Aymen Hussein put Iraq ahead again in the 43rd minute and this time there was no coming back from Qatar even though they had plenty of time to do so.

Iraq, backed by a partisan home crowd at the packed 60,000-capacity venue, proved too tough for Qatar in the second half.

Iraq will take on the winners of the second semi-final between defending champions Bahrain and Oman in the final to be played on January 19.