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AFC
Doha
Hosts and three-time champions Qatar bowed out of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup as Saudi Arabia rode on a solitary goal to make the final of the prestigious regional tournament at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.
Abdulla al Hamdan was the hero, scoring in the 28th minute as Saudi Arabia sealed a meeting with Bahrain in Sunday’s final.
Bahrain defeated Iraq 5-3 on penalties after their tie ended 2-2.
The match saw a slow start with no notable chances in the first 20 minutes although Qatar had more of the ball.
However, it was Saudi Arabia who took the lead with Sultan Al Ghanam completing a surging run down the left by sending in a cross that was deflected by Tarek Salman.
Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb tried to clear the danger but the pacey Al Hamdan did just enough to steer the ball into the net.
A stung Qatar upped their tempo and had chances but Almoez Ali shot wide in the 36th minute as did Abdulaziz Hatem six minutes later.
Abdulaziz Hatem had another opportunity in added time but Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Fawaz Al Qarni was perfectly placed to thwart him.
Qatar immediately took control when the match resumed and should have leveled the tie in the 62nd minute but Abdulaziz Hatem’s inswinging corner hit the right upright, bounced of the back of goalkeeper Al Qarni before it was cleared by the Saudi defenders.
Saudi Arabia were forced to play most of the second half defending but a counter attack eight minutes from the end nearly resulted in a second goal only for Mohammed Kano to be denied by the crossbar.
In the end, it didn’t matter and Saudi Arabia can now look forward to Sunday’s final against Bahrain.
Doha
Hosts and three-time champions Qatar bowed out of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup as Saudi Arabia rode on a solitary goal to make the final of the prestigious regional tournament at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.
Abdulla al Hamdan was the hero, scoring in the 28th minute as Saudi Arabia sealed a meeting with Bahrain in Sunday’s final.
Bahrain defeated Iraq 5-3 on penalties after their tie ended 2-2.
The match saw a slow start with no notable chances in the first 20 minutes although Qatar had more of the ball.
However, it was Saudi Arabia who took the lead with Sultan Al Ghanam completing a surging run down the left by sending in a cross that was deflected by Tarek Salman.
Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb tried to clear the danger but the pacey Al Hamdan did just enough to steer the ball into the net.
A stung Qatar upped their tempo and had chances but Almoez Ali shot wide in the 36th minute as did Abdulaziz Hatem six minutes later.
Abdulaziz Hatem had another opportunity in added time but Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Fawaz Al Qarni was perfectly placed to thwart him.
Qatar immediately took control when the match resumed and should have leveled the tie in the 62nd minute but Abdulaziz Hatem’s inswinging corner hit the right upright, bounced of the back of goalkeeper Al Qarni before it was cleared by the Saudi defenders.
Saudi Arabia were forced to play most of the second half defending but a counter attack eight minutes from the end nearly resulted in a second goal only for Mohammed Kano to be denied by the crossbar.
In the end, it didn’t matter and Saudi Arabia can now look forward to Sunday’s final against Bahrain.
