03:29Iraq: 'We are very proud' - Basra residents express excitement ahead of Arabian Gulf Cup tournament
Locals in Basra expressed their excitement and pride at hosting the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup on Thursday, the day before the football tournament kicks off on January 6.
"We are very proud of hosting the "Gulf 25" championship in the state of Iraq, specifically in our province, Basra," said a local trader, Samir Ahmed. "We welcome our Arab brothers and the countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council."
Footage shows large banners promoting the event as well as the streets and buildings decked out in flags, ahead of the competition.
Eight members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation take part; Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
"God willing, we will achieve victory, and the 25th championship belongs to Iraq and Basra. We will be proud," predicted one local, Shehab Mahmoud, while another, Monem Nazir, believed winning wasn’t necessarily important.
"We do not care if the Iraqi team wins or loses. What is important is the success of the championship. We hope that the Iraqi team will achieve the championship so that our joy is complete," he stated.
Bahrain are reigning champions, while Kuwait are the most successful, with 10 titles to their name. The competition itself began in 1970, with Iraq hosting for the first time since 1979.
03:29Locals in Basra expressed their excitement and pride at hosting the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup on Thursday, the day before the football tournament kicks off on January 6.
"We are very proud of hosting the "Gulf 25" championship in the state of Iraq, specifically in our province, Basra," said a local trader, Samir Ahmed. "We welcome our Arab brothers and the countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council."
Footage shows large banners promoting the event as well as the streets and buildings decked out in flags, ahead of the competition.
Eight members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation take part; Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
"God willing, we will achieve victory, and the 25th championship belongs to Iraq and Basra. We will be proud," predicted one local, Shehab Mahmoud, while another, Monem Nazir, believed winning wasn’t necessarily important.
"We do not care if the Iraqi team wins or loses. What is important is the success of the championship. We hope that the Iraqi team will achieve the championship so that our joy is complete," he stated.
Bahrain are reigning champions, while Kuwait are the most successful, with 10 titles to their name. The competition itself began in 1970, with Iraq hosting for the first time since 1979.