JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia : Saudi Arabia won the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup on Tuesday after beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Hammam Al Hammami opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a strike from outside the box before Firas Al Buraikan doubled the lead two minutes later, finishing a pass from Nasser Al Dawsari.
The UAE hit the woodwork as it looked for a way back into the match, while Saudi Arabia also went close through Saleh Abu Al Shamat. Nicolas Gimenez and Fabio Lima also struck the woodwork for the UAE, but Saudi Arabia held on to claim the trophy.
The victory gave Saudi Arabia its fourth Gulf Cup title after previous triumphs in 1994, 2002 and 2003. It also ended a 23-year wait for the trophy and moved Saudi Arabia level with Iraq as the second most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Saudi Arabia’s victory completed a successful campaign on home soil with the hosts securing the Gulf Cup title after overcoming the UAE in the final.
