The only goal of the match came in the 94th minute during the first extra time after both teams went goalless in stoppage time.

Despite the defeat the young Saudi team has earned the respect of everyone in the competition, having been written off back home as having little chance and yet made the final as a virtual underdog.

It was the sixth second place finish and second straight time the Kingdom lost in the final after also losing to host Oman in the last staging of the tournament.

For Kuwait, this was its 10th Gulf Cup title.

Before more than 20,000 fans that attended the match led by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Saudi team pushed forward from the very first minute in search of early goal.

The Saudis were in control despite the strength of the Kuwaiti team. The Saudi control, however, did not last long and Waleed Ali blasted a fine shot inside the penalty box that hit the left post in the 33rd minute in a significant scoring opportunity for Kuwait.

Though Saudi Arabia did better in the second half the match had to go to extra time after the sides failed to score after the regulation period.

Then came what proved the winning goal from Waleed Ali who blasted a power shot to the back of the net from the left of the penalty box in the 94th minute.

It was all a matter of game management for the Kuwaitis after that, defending their goal from the expected enemy attacks. Saudi coach José Peseiro introduced Saleh Basheer in the striking line to no avail.

The writing was on the wall for the Saudis when Muhannad Asiri was red carded in the 112th minute after he tried to fake a penalty kick inside the penalty box.

Also, Asiri’s exit took the pressure off Kuwait whose supporters erupted into a frenzied celebration at the final whistle.

Team captain Muhammad Al-Shalhoub said that the Saudi team did their best throughout the competition. “The team is young and deserves respect. I want all Saudi fans to cheer this team and be proud of it. We reached the final against all people’s expectations. No one thought we would reach this stage against a very strong team like Kuwait. Again, I say congratulations to Kuwait. They deserved the win,” he said.

Star defender Osama Al-Muwallad said, that the team should not be blamed for losing the match because they did their best. He said, “This is football. We did our best. Throughout this competition we were playing with one striker. I wish we had played with two strikers this time but anyway what is done is done. As for the referee of the match, he was not up to level. He mad many mistakes.”

There were mixed reactions from the Saudi fans that said that the Saudi team deserves congratulations. Motea Muhammad, a university student, said, “Hats off to the Saudi team. Many doubted that they would not reach this level. Sadly, they are very quick to criticize the Saudi team. I wish they had been more patient, at least, and judge them after the competition. This shows that the Saudi football team is rich of talented players. Even when the first team is not ready the second tam is.”

Muhannad Muwaffaq, a private company employee, said that Kuwait should really celebrate because they won against the second liners of the Saudi team. “People should respect us now and they should know that Saudi Arabia is the best team in the Gulf and even in Asia when it comes to football. I am very proud of the team and I think that the coach was the best and the players were the best. We congratulate Saudi Arabia for this team that played with a lot of heart. Wait and see and fear the Saudi team in Asian Cup in Qatar.”