Saudi Arabia clinches Gulf Cup 27 title with 2-0 win over UAE

Saudi Arabia's national football team secured the Gulf Cup 27 title after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final held at Al-Inma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The Green Falcons took an early lead, with Hammam Al-Hammami opening the scoring in the 11th minute. Just two minutes later, Firas Al-Barkani doubled the advantage in the 13th minute. Saudi Arabia maintained their lead for the remainder of the match to seal the championship.

Saudi Arabia starting lineup vs UAE

Saudi Arabia began the match with: Mohammed Al-Owais, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Muteb Al-Harbi, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Hammam Al-Hammami, and Firas Al-Barkani.

UAE starting lineup vs Saudi Arabia

The UAE lineup featured: Khalid Eisa, Robin Felipe, Lucas Pimenta, Marcos Meloni, Alaa Al-Zuhair, Mamadou Coulibaly, Issam Fayez, Othman Camara, Da Silva, Jimenez, and Oliveira.

Group A in the tournament included Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait, while Group B comprised the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia's path to the Gulf Cup 27 title

Saudi Arabia delivered a strong performance throughout the tournament, topping Group A with a perfect record of 9 points after defeating Kuwait 1-0, Oman 3-0, and Iraq 2-0.

The Green Falcons scored six goals in the group stage without conceding any, securing first place in the group by a comfortable margin.

In the semifinals, Saudi Arabia faced Asian champions Qatar in a match that went to extra time after a goalless draw in regular time.

The match was decided by a penalty shootout, with Saudi Arabia prevailing 3-2 thanks to goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who saved several Qatari penalties, including two from Boualem Khoukhi after one was retaken.

With this victory, Saudi Arabia completed their successful campaign by lifting the Gulf Cup 27 trophy at the expense of the UAE.