UAE faces Oman in Gulf Cup semi-final as top scorers chase final spot

The United Arab Emirates and Oman national teams will meet in the semi-finals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup tomorrow at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, after each advanced from the group stage in different ways. The UAE topped Group B, while Oman reached the semi-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history via a draw.

The UAE secured first place in Group B with 7 points, edging out Qatar on goal difference. The team defeated Yemen 4-0 and Bahrain 3-0, and drew 1-1 with Qatar.

The UAE posted the strongest attacking record in the group stage, scoring eight goals. Nicolas Gimenez and Ali Saleh each netted twice, while Luan Pereira, Othman Kamara, and Guilherme Bala contributed one goal apiece, along with an own goal.

The UAE is aiming to reach the final for the sixth time in its history and continue its pursuit of a third Gulf Cup title, having previously won in 2007 and 2013.

Oman, meanwhile, qualified for the semi-finals as runners-up in Group A with four points, after drawing 1-1 with Iraq, losing 3-0 to Saudi Arabia, and defeating Kuwait 3-1.

Oman clinched its semi-final spot via a draw after finishing level with Iraq on all tiebreakers, marking the first time in tournament history the team has advanced to this stage in this manner.

Oman is also seeking a sixth appearance in the final and is aiming for a third Gulf Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2017.

Nasser Al-Rawahi leads the tournament’s scoring charts after the group stage with three goals, while Musab Al-Shaqsi scored Oman’s fourth goal in the competition.

The Jeddah showdown carries special significance for both teams, who share similar ambitions of reaching the final and claiming the second spot. While the UAE has impressed with its attacking prowess, Oman has relied on making the most of decisive opportunities on its path to the semi-finals.