October 7 – Saudi Arabia defeats the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the Gulf Cup final to claim the home tournament after a 22-year drought.
Hammam Al Hammami put the home side ahead in the 11th minute with a deflected shot from the edge of the box and two minutes later Feras Al Brikan scored from close range to get a second for the Green Falcons.
“We are very happy… there were many difficulties, but the players showed concentration and discipline and gave their best on the pitch,” Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis told a press conference.
“I think we have turned these difficulties into a title, and that is important. We were the best team in this competition. This title gives us confidence for the future and we must continue to show the same qualities.”
The UAE were awarded a VAR penalty and substitute Khaled Ibrahim sent off in the 82nd minute.
It is the first time Saudi Arabia has won the regional tournament since 2004 and the fourth time overall.
“After the World Cup, we knew we had made mistakes and had some bad moments, but we learned from this experience… we improved and developed our football. And I think they deserve this result. Now, the result reflects the work,” said Donis.
Early next year, Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup, the continent’s flagship tournament. They will play Kuwait, Oman and Palestine in the group stage, with the final of the tournament scheduled for February 5.
“The whole tournament was difficult, but we made it easier,” said Firas Al-Buraikan. Everyone aspired to achieve it, and we achieved it, and we still have another tournament ahead of us that we are fighting for, God willing.”
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