Aymen Hussein set for Iraq century against Saudi Arabia despite bench role

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein is set to reach a landmark 100th appearance for his country if he plays against Saudi Arabia in the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”.

Saudi Arabia face Iraq at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in the third and final round of the group stage, with Hussein named among the substitutes for the second consecutive match.

The 30-year-old was also left out of Iraq’s starting line-up for Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Kuwait, but former Iraq international Ali Rahima said Hussein would make his 100th appearance for the national team if he takes part against Saudi Arabia.

Rahima also revealed that Hussein is due to be honoured at Alinma Stadium before kick-off to mark the achievement.

“Today, the player Aymen Hussein will be honoured for reaching 100 matches,” Rahima said on the programme Nadina, broadcast by MBC 1. “There is not much difference in Iraq’s line-up, and the most important thing in the match against Saudi Arabia is the spirit.”

Hussein has been one of the most prominent figures in Iraqi football in recent years. He helped Iraq win the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2023, scoring three goals to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer.

His potential milestone comes despite beginning this match on the bench, as Iraq compete for their position in the final group-stage standings against Saudi Arabia.