Saudi Arabia ended a 22-year wait for the Arabian Gulf Cup on Tuesday, beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-0 before a charged crowd at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The hosts set an attacking pace from the outset and were rewarded in the 11th minute, when Hammam Al-Hammami scored from the edge of the penalty area, setting off wild celebrations in the stands. Two minutes later, Firas Al-Buraikan doubled the lead with a close-range finish from a precise Nasser Al-Dosari pass.
Saleh Abu Al-Shamat nearly added a third in the 16th minute, but his shot struck the post after a one-on-one with UAE goalkeeper Khaled Issa.
The UAE’s first attack came in the 24th minute, when Nicolas Gimenez also hit the post. Six minutes before half-time, UAE forward Bruno appeared to have won a penalty, only for the decision to be reversed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Saudi Arabia held their lead for the rest of the match.
Saudi Arabia Head Coach Georgios Donis credited his side’s discipline for the long-awaited home win. “There were many difficulties, but the players showed focus and discipline and gave their best on the pitch,” he said.
“I think we turned those difficulties into a title, and that’s important. We were the best team in this tournament. This title gives us confidence for the future, and we must continue to show the same qualities.”
