RIYADH: Saudi Arabia became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the 22nd Arabia Gulf Cup football tournament Wednesday when it edged past Yemen by a solitary first half goal in a Group A match at the King Fahd International Stadium here.

The all-important goal was scored by Al Abid in the 28th minute.

In another match of the same group, Qatar and Bahrain played out a goalless draw. Qatar and Yemen wound up the group stage tied on 3 points but the Qataris advanced on goal difference 0 to -1.

As the No. 1 qualifier in Group A the Kingdom will play the second qualifier from Group B in the crossover knockout semifinals. Top of Group B takes on Group A No. 2 in the other match.

The Group B qualifiers will be determined after Thursday’s matches pitting Kuwait against Oman and UAE against Iraq.

Saudi Arabia finished group play on 7 points from three matches.

The semifinals in this biennial event takes place on Sunday.