Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the Gulf Cup Final after both teams secured hard-fought victories in Saturday’s semifinal matches in Jeddah.
The Gulf Cup Final matchup was confirmed after the UAE defeated Oman 1-0, while Saudi Arabia overcame Qatar in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
The victories set up a highly anticipated championship clash between two regional rivals, with the title to be decided on Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The UAE booked its place in the final thanks to a decisive goal from forward Ousmane Camara.
Camara scored the only goal of the match, heading the ball into the net from close range and giving his team a narrow but valuable victory over Oman.
The result sends the UAE into its first Gulf Cup final since 2018 and keeps alive hopes of winning the competition for the third time.
The Emirati national team previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2013. Another victory would add a third regional title to the country’s record.
The semifinal was not without challenges for the UAE.
Playmaker Nicolas Gimenez missed a penalty in the 56th minute, a moment that could have changed the outcome of the match.
Despite the setback, head coach Zlatko Dalic responded by making several substitutions that helped refresh the team.
The tactical changes brought new energy to the field and helped the UAE maintain pressure during the closing stages of the game.
After the match, Dalic praised the determination shown by his players.
He said the team remained focused despite the missed penalty and continued to fight for the result. The coach added that the squad had worked hard in preparation for the tournament and deserved the opportunity to compete for the championship.
For Oman, the defeat ended another impressive run in the competition.
The team entered the semifinal after advancing from the group stage under unusual circumstances. Oman moved ahead of Iraq after both sides finished level on all tiebreak criteria, forcing a drawing process to determine qualification.
While Oman created opportunities, the team was unable to find an equalizer and exited the tournament one step short of the final.
Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia secured its place in the championship match with a dramatic victory over Qatar.
The semifinal remained scoreless after 90 minutes and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais emerged as the hero of the evening.
The experienced goalkeeper made two crucial saves during the shootout and helped his team advance to the final.
One of the most important moments came when Al Owais stopped a penalty from Boualem Khoukhi. After the kick was ordered to be retaken, the goalkeeper produced another save against the same player.
He also denied Jassem Gaber from the penalty spot, delivering a performance that proved decisive.
Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, defended well throughout the match and came close to scoring on several occasions.
The best opportunity arrived late in the second half when substitute Edmilson struck the crossbar.
Had the effort gone in, Qatar might have secured a place in the final.
Another notable moment involved star forward Akram Afif.
The influential attacker appeared frustrated after being substituted in the 69th minute. His reaction drew attention as he left the field, highlighting the disappointment felt by the Qatari side.
Despite the defeat, Qatar showed defensive discipline and resilience throughout the contest.
Saudi Arabia now moves one step closer to ending a long wait for regional success.
The team has not won the Gulf Cup title in 22 years and will see the upcoming final as an opportunity to end that drought on home soil.
With Saudi Arabia seeking a long-awaited championship and the UAE chasing a third title, the Gulf Cup Final promises to deliver one of the most significant matches in recent tournament history.
Fans across the region will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s showdown, where only one team will lift the trophy.
