JEDDAH: The stage is set for the final showdown in 19the Arabian Gulf Cup soccer final between Oman and Saudi Arabia to be played in Muscat, Oman, today.
Oman will be aiming to make it third time lucky after losing on the previous two occasions to Qatar and UAE. However, this time too it’s not going be easy, as they will be facing the more fancied Saudis a three-time winner and looking for their fourth title.
Oman, winners from Group-B drew their first match against Kuwait, beat Iraq, Bahrain and beat Qatar 1-0 in the semifinals to make it to the final.
Saudi Arabia made it to the finals topping Group-A with seven points with a draw in their opener against Qatar, then won their next two matches against Yemen and UAE. In the semis they got the better of Kuwait by a solitary goal.
It’s worth mentioning that both goalkeepers — Waleed Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and Ali Al-Hibsi — have kept a clean slate throughout this tournament. However, in the final one of them will turn out to be a hero.
Saudi strikers, Yaser Al-Qahtani, Malek Muaz and Ahmad Al-Fareedi have scored two goals each and have a chance of winning the highest goal scorers award, so is Hasan Rabea of Oman.
The Saudi coach is expected to go into the final match with the same formation as of the previous games with the deadly duo of Malek Muaz and Al-Qahtani leading the attack.
However, the Saudi team will miss the services of midfielder Khaled Aziz due to a foot injury. According to reports, the player was sent to Riyadh for treatment.
Saudi fans are optimistic and confident that their team will win the cup but it will not be an easy task.
Saudi fan, Marwan Al-Ahmadi said that Oman is not an easy team to play against. “We have to keep in mind that Oman lost the previous two finals and also remember that Oman is playing in front of their home crowd. Most importantly we have to remember that the team will not repeat the same thing for the third time,” he said. Oman has lethal strikers and an excellent goalkeeper who plays in the English Premier League.
Sultan Amer, another Saudi fan was more optimistic about winning the cup. “The Saudi team kept on improving after every match. Malek Muaz will be the key player for the Saudis and he will score the match winner. We will also have to take control over midfield,” Amer said.
