JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia : Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait 1-0 in their opening Group A match at the 27th Gulf Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday.
Kuwait defender Yousef Al-Haqan scored an own goal in the 73rd minute to give Saudi Arabia three points and put them top of the group after Iraq and Oman had earlier drawn 1-1.
The hosts started strongly, with Mutaib Al-Harbi testing the Kuwait goalkeeper with a powerful effort from outside the box in the 11th minute.
Saudi Arabia continued to create chances, but Saleh Abu Al-Shamat missed an opportunity after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the 23rd minute. Mohammed Kanno was denied in the 33rd, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan headed wide four minutes later.
Kuwait came close before halftime when Mohammed Daham’s shot went just wide in the 45th minute.
Saudi Arabia resumed the second half on the front foot, with Hammam Al-Hamami’s header from a cross saved by the Kuwait goalkeeper in the 50th minute.
The hosts finally took the lead when Al-Hamami dribbled into the box and fired a shot that was deflected into his own net by Al-Haqan.
Saudi Arabia pushed for a second goal late on, but Kuwait goalkeeper Saud Al-Houshan saved Mohammed Al-Qahtani’s low effort in stoppage time.
The victory gives Saudi Arabia three points from their opening game, while Kuwait begin their Gulf Cup campaign without a point.
