Saudi Arabia end 22-year wait for another Gulf Cup title
JEDDAH: Early strikes secured hosts Saudi Arabia the 27th Gulf Cup with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, ending a 22-year wait to lift the trophy again.
Saudi Arabia has finally won the 27th Gulf Cup after a 22-year wait, defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in a match at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Winger Hammam Al Hammami scored the opening goal in the 11th minute with a deflected shot, followed by a second goal from Feras Al Brikan just two minutes later. Although the UAE managed to equalise in the 38th minute with a penalty, Saudi goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais kept his team ahead until the final whistle.
This victory came after Saudi Arabia's disappointing exit from this year's World Cup, and marked their fourth Gulf Cup title, their first since 2004. Head coach Georgios Donis expressed pride in his team's performance, noting that they had turned past difficulties into the championship and used the win as motivation for future competitions, including the 2027 Asian Cup.
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