JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Qatar will face hosts Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup on Saturday, with a place in Tuesday’s final at stake.
The winner at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will meet either the United Arab Emirates or Oman, who play in the other semi-final at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Saturday. The final is scheduled for Oct. 6 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Qatar are seeking a return to the Gulf Cup final for the first time since 2014, when they won their third and most recent title by beating Saudi Arabia 2-1.
Qatar opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over defending champions Bahrain and followed it with a 1-0 victory over Yemen to secure a semi-final place. They drew 1-1 with the UAE in their final group match and finished second in Group B on seven points, behind the UAE on goal difference.
Coach Julen Lopetegui rested several regulars against the UAE, with Akram Afif among those expected to return for the semi-final.
Lopetegui said Saudi Arabia would provide a difficult test, citing their home advantage, supporters and strengthened squad. He said Qatar would need maximum concentration and preparation but expressed confidence in his players.
Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals with a perfect record, beating Kuwait 1-0, Oman 3-0 and Iraq 2-0. They scored six goals without conceding to finish top of Group A.
Saudi Arabia have won 10 of their 22 previous Gulf Cup meetings with Qatar, who have three victories, while nine matches have ended in draws.
In the other semi-final, the UAE will face Oman after finishing top of Group B with seven points. Oman reached the last four after beating Kuwait 3-1 and progressing on a drawing of lots after they and Iraq finished level on all qualifying criteria.
The semi-finals will decide the two finalists, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia seeking a place in the tournament’s showpiece match while the UAE and Oman also continue their pursuit of the Gulf Cup title.
