Stage set for Gulf Cup final

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia face the UAE tonight in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup final, also known as Khaleeji 27, at Al Inma Stadium in Jeddah.

The hosts are seeking a fourth Gulf Cup title and their first since 2003-04, while the Emirates are aiming to lift the trophy for a third time and first since 2013.

Kick-off at King Abdullah Sports City is at 9pm.

The Green Falcons booked their place with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Qatar after their semi-final finished goalless following 120 minutes.

Goal-keeper Mohammed Al Owais made three saves in the shootout, including twice from Boualem Khoukhi after his initial stop was ordered to be retaken.

Greek coach Georgios Donis was pleased to see his side come through a demanding semi-final but acknowledged the toll it had taken on his players.

“The tournament is short and fatigue is a factor,” Donis said. “We did not play our best match and missed some chances, particularly the penalty, but the most important thing for us is qualifying for the final.”

“I believe we can perform better, improve our style of play and create more chances. Our performance in the final will be better.”

Dalic, who guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and third place at the 2022 tournament, is well aware of the challenge awaiting his side in Jeddah.

“We will face Saudi Arabia, the best team in the tournament,” he said. “They have the advantage of home ground and stadium, and this is a difficult challenge for us, but we are ready and our goal is the title.”

UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa also underlined the significance of the occasion.

“We thank the Saudi people for the warmth of the reception,” he said. “I expect a match that carries a lot of competitiveness, and I hope it will be the moment of harvest for Emirati football.”

They opened their campaign with a 4-0 win over Yemen before beating defending champions Bahrain 3-0 and drawing 1-1 with Qatar to top Group B.

Ousmane Camara’s 22nd-minute header then secured a 1-0 semi-final victory over Oman and sent Dalic’s men through.

Despite reaching the final unbeaten, the Croatian believes there is more to come from his side against the Saudis.

“We did not play our best match and missed some chances, particularly the penalty, but the most important thing for us is qualifying for the final,” Dalic said.

“I believe we can perform better, improve our style of play and create more chances. Our performance in the final will be better.”

Dalic, who guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and third place at the 2022 tournament, is well aware of the challenge awaiting his side in Jeddah.

“We will face Saudi Arabia, the best team in the tournament,” he said. “They have the advantage of home ground and stadium, and this is a difficult challenge for us, but we are ready and our goal is the title.”

UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa also underlined the significance of the occasion.

“We thank the Saudi people for the warmth of the reception,” he said. “I expect a match that carries a lot of competitiveness, and I hope it will be the moment of harvest for Emirati football.”