Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup gets under way in Jeddah on Wednesday, with the UAE opening their campaign against Yemen on Thursday.
Eight teams are competing in the tournament, which runs until October 6. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen make up the field for one of the region’s most closely followed football competitions.
It is the first time Jeddah has hosted the event and the fifth occasion on which Saudi Arabia has staged the Gulf Cup.
Matches will be played at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also known as Alinma Stadium, and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.
Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait, while Group B features the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen. The top two sides from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
New UAE head coach Zlatko Dalic, taking charge of his first international assignment since his appointment last month, said: “This is my first time of taking part in the tournament, and we are looking forward to deliver a strong performance starting with Yemen, a team we have great respect for. We know our objectives and we’re not putting ourselves under any pressure.
“We’ve worked on many details over the past period to bring the team to its best level. I’m very happy with this group, and the most important thing is to play with confidence, stand together with our fans as one team and deliver a performance worthy of their support.”
Forward Sultan Adil added: “Our preparations have been strong, and we are ready for the tournament and the coach’s plan. We understand the importance of this competition and will take it step by step, one match at a time to achieve our goal.
“The coach gives us confidence while we are also learning a lot from Ismail Matar and his vast experience in Khaleeji tournaments. We promise to give our best and look forward to the support of our fans.”
Yemen head coach Noureddine Ould Ali, the Algerian in charge of the side, confirmed his team’s readiness for the Group B encounter.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he said: “The UAE team is considered a strong side; they have made some technical changes, boast many distinguished players and are led by a highly experienced coach. Certainly, the match conditions, along with physical and mental preparation, will be crucial factors.”
He added: “The Yemeni fans will provide us with great support, and we look forward to their presence in Jeddah to back the team and stand firmly by its side.”
Yemen captain Abdulwaseea Al-Matari said preparations for the match had gone well. “Preparations were good for us, and there is a sense of stability within the team. The Yemeni League has added a lot to the squad, and we have high ambitions to deliver a strong performance in the tournament,” he stated.
Al-Matari continued: “The Yemeni fans trust the players, and we promise to make them proud. We aim to deliver an exceptional tournament, but at the same time, we will approach the competition with great realism and work to achieve our goals step by step.”
