Jeddah (GNP): Saudi Arabia won the 27th Gulf Cup on Tuesday, beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-0 in the final. It is their fourth championship and ends a 22-year wait for the trophy.
The hosts played in front of their own supporters at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. They settled the contest early with two goals in the opening quarter of an hour.
Winger Hammam Al Hammami broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. His deflected strike from the edge of the penalty area sent the home crowd into celebration.
Two minutes later, Feras Al Brikan doubled the lead by finishing from close range. That left Saudi Arabia firmly in control.
They kept pushing for a third. Saleh Abu Alshamat hit the crossbar as the hosts looked to extend their advantage.
The UAE tried to respond and were awarded a penalty in the 38th minute. The decision was overturned after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
After the break, goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais made an important save to deny Sultan Adil. Fabio Lima struck the woodwork late in the match, but Saudi Arabia held firm.
That resilience defined the whole tournament. Saudi Arabia completed the competition without conceding a goal, which showed the balance between their attack and defence.
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The triumph is their first Gulf Cup title since 2004. It also gives the team a positive response after a difficult World Cup campaign.
Player of the Tournament Al Hammami said the achievement will provide motivation ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host.
Head coach Georgios Donis praised his players for their focus and determination. Donis said, “There were many difficulties, but the players showed concentration and discipline.”
