TDT | Manama

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Saudi Arabia opened their 27th Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait yesterday, taking early control of Group A on the first day of the tournament.

The competition, also known as Khaleeji Arabian Dyar 27, saw Youssef Al Haqan's 73rd-minute own goal settle the headline encounter at Alinma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sports City, where the hosts eventually made their superiority count.

Coached by Greek Georgios Donis, the Green Falcons carried the greater threat but found Kuwait difficult to break down under Portuguese Helio Sousa, who led Bahrain to their maiden Gulf Cup triumph in 2019.

The Saudis thought they had broken through in the 37th minute. Captain Mohamed Kanno's trickery on the right side of the box eventually saw the ball fall to Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, who rifled home, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul by Kanno in the build-up.

Kuwait nearly punished them on the stroke of half-time when Mohammed Daham's low drive skimmed narrowly wide with goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi beaten.

The breakthrough finally arrived with 17 minutes remaining. Hammam Al Hammami produced a sublime first touch on the right to escape his marker before his shot took a huge deflection off Al Haqan and flew beyond Saud Al Hoshan into the far corner.

Victory gave the three-time winners the perfect start to their pursuit of a first Gulf crown since 2003. Kuwait, meanwhile, remain the competition's most successful side with a record 10 titles.

Spectacular Opening

The match followed a colourful 15-minute opening ceremony that celebrated Gulf identity and Saudi National Day through cultural displays and fireworks.

"Ahlan Bil Khaleeji", the tournament's official song, featured in the show, while the flags of the eight participating teams were presented and legendary Gulf footballers celebrated. Former Saudi captain Mohammed Abduljawad presented the trophy before HRH Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, officially declared the tournament open.

Earlier, Iraq and Oman drew 1-1 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium. Mohamed Qasim struck in the sixth minute before Nasser Al Rawahi equalised for Oman in the 67th.

Saudi Arabia next face Oman on Saturday at 9pm, with Kuwait meeting Iraq at 6pm. The Saudis close Group A against Iraq on Tuesday, while Sousa's side face Oman, with both matches at 8.30pm.