Saudi Arabia Ends 22-Year Wait, Beats UAE 2-0 to Win Gulf Cup
Theo Al Jazeera English
Saudi Arabia won the Gulf Cup for the first time in 22 years, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Jeddah on Tuesday. Early goals from Hammam Al-Hammami and Firas al-Buraikan sealed the host nation's fourth title.
Saudi Arabia ended a 22-year wait for the Gulf Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in a fervent atmosphere at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The host nation held an early lead through goals from Hammam Al-Hammami and Firas al-Buraikan, lifting the regional trophy on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia started with real intent and were rewarded in the 11th minute when Al-Hammami opened the scoring from the edge of the box, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
The hosts' dream start was extended just two minutes later when Al-Buraikan doubled the advantage with a close-range finish after a precise assist from Nasser Al-Dosari.
Saleh Abu Al-Shamat nearly added a third for Saudi Arabia in the 16th minute, but his effort struck the post after a one-on-one with UAE goalkeeper Khaled Issa.
UAE's first real attack came in the 24th minute, when a Nicolas Gimenez shot hit the post.
Six minutes before the break, UAE's Bruno appeared to have won a penalty, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis praised his team's discipline in the long-awaited home triumph.
"There were many difficulties, but the players showed focus and discipline and gave everything on the pitch," he said after the match.
"I think we turned those difficulties into a title, and that is very important. We were the best team in this tournament. This title gives us more confidence for the future, and we must keep building on those same qualities."
Early in the second half, Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais denied substitute Sultan Adel from close range, preserving an impressive clean-sheet record at the tournament.
Although Saudi Arabia were wasteful in front of goal, their coach remained pleased with the team's effort.
"After the World Cup, we realised we had made mistakes and went through bad times, but we learned from that experience," Donis said.
"We raised our level and developed our game. I think they deserved this result. It reflects our hard work."
Saudi Arabia now have four Gulf Cup titles, their last coming in 2004.
The "Green Falcons" exited the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but will view their Gulf Cup performance as a foundation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027.
Saudi Arabia will host the continental tournament from 7 January to 5 February, as the country prepares to become the second Gulf nation after Qatar to stage a FIFA World Cup, in 2034.
