Iraq retained their title at the second edition of the GFF Gulf Cup for Veteran Players, defeating Saudi Arabia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw at Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Doha, Qatar yesterday.

Goalkeeper and captain Noor Sabri proved the hero, saving Saudi Arabia's opening two spot-kicks to help Iraq secure back-to-back championships.

Sabri, who never lost a penalty shootout during his international career, immediately made his presence felt by diving left to deny Saudi captain Saleh Al Saqri.

Mustafa Karim converted Iraq's opener before Sabri struck again, diving right to keep out Abdullah Shuhail's attempt.

Haider Sabah made it 2-0, sending goalkeeper Assaf Al Qarni the wrong way, before Saheb Al Abdullah finally got Saudi Arabia on the scoresheet.

Al Qarni then kept his side's hopes alive by diving right to deny Hammadi Ahmed, while Saeed Al Wadani converted Saudi Arabia's next attempt.

Khalid Mushir put Iraq 3-2 ahead, but Rashid Al Raheeb responded for the Saudis, leaving Ahmed Ayad to step forward and calmly convert the winning penalty, sparking celebrations among the Iraqi players.

The triumph capped an impressive campaign for Iraq, who finished second in Group A with six points before sweeping aside hosts Qatar 4-0 in the semi-finals.

Saudi Arabia had topped the same group with seven points, including a 1-0 victory over Iraq, before edging Bahrain 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 semi-final draw.

The tournament brought together former Gulf internationals aged 40 and above, with matches played over two 20-minute halves and unlimited substitutions. Level knockout fixtures proceeded directly to penalties.