The only goal of the semfinal match came in the 55th minute from Ahmad Abbas. He received a fine pass behind defenders then outfoxed the goalkeeper in a one-on-one, blasting the ball to the right of the goalie into the net.

The Saudi team will face Kuwait in the final after the nine times champion earlier beat Iraq 5-4 in a penalty shootout, after the game was tied 2-2 at the end of the regulation period and extra time.

Iraq midfielder Qusai Muneer sent his penalty kick over the crossbar to put Kuwait through to the final.

Striker Badr al Mutawa opened the scoring for Kuwait in the first minute. Iraq leveled five minutes later with a strike by midfielder Hawar Mohammed, and went ahead in the 18th through Alaa Abdel-Zahra’s goal.

Midfielder Fahd Al-Ineizy equalized for Kuwait in the 57th minute to force extra time.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait drew 0-0 in the group stage of the tournament and qualified second and first of Group A, respectively.

The Saudis dictated the tempo of the match, taking control of the midfield and playing a well coordinated game.

Muhammad Al-Shalhoub, team captain and star of the match, said, “I congratulate the Saudi team and all fans for this achievement and we are one step away from winning the cup. The UAE team played very well and they did all their best but we were better.

The Saudi team’s performance in the first half was not up to the mark but in the second half we were totally different. We were in control of the match and we managed to come through. The secret behind our success in this competition despite criticism is that we are all playing with one heart. I wish if people could see us during training. We are all united as a team to try and win the cup. We are all determined and discipline and that is the secret behind our success.”

Muhannad Asiri, Saudi striker who is participating for the first time in his career with the Saudi national team and first time in the final, congratulated the Saudi fans for this achievement. He said, “We were better throughout the match. We had many chances to score more than one goal. I am confident that Saudi Arabia will win the title. The Kuwaiti team is the best team so far and it is very difficult. With determination we will win.”