UAE beat Oman to set up Gulf Cup title showdown with Saudi Arabia

The UAE booked their place in the Gulf Cup final after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oman on Saturday, with forward Ousmane Camara scoring the decisive goal to send Zlatko Dalic’s side through to the title showdown against Saudi Arabia.

Camara proved to be the difference between the two sides, heading home from close range to give the UAE a crucial lead and ultimately secure their first appearance in the Gulf Cup final since 2018.

The victory keeps the UAE’s hopes of lifting the trophy for a third time alive, following their previous triumphs in 2007 and 2013.

The UAE had an opportunity to extend their advantage in the 56th minute when playmaker Nicolas Gimenez stepped up from the penalty spot.

However, Gimenez was unable to convert, keeping Oman within touching distance and setting up a tense finish.

Oman pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the UAE’s defence held firm to protect their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

The result marks another important step for Dalic’s team as they aim to add another Gulf Cup title to their collection.

“After we missed the penalty, of course we changed three players. We put in new guys, they brought something new to the team and the game, more energy, and changed the rhythm,” Dalic told Abu Dhabi Sports TV.

“But we never gave up. I told my players, we worked hard for the last 20 days for what? For this night, for this game,” the former Croatia coach added.

Oman, runners-up in the previous edition, had reached the semi-finals after advancing ahead of Iraq by lot when the two teams finished level on all Group A tiebreak criteria.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia secured their place in the final after defeating Asian champions Qatar 3-2 on penalties.

The two sides could not find a breakthrough during 120 minutes of a largely disappointing semi-final, forcing the tie to be decided from the spot.

Saudi Arabia held their nerve in the shootout to reach the final.

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais played a huge role by making two saves in the penalty shootout, denying Jassem Gaber and Boualem Khoukhi from the spot.

Owais, 34, saved Khoukhi’s penalty and then denied him again when the kick was ordered to be retaken.

Qatar were solid in defence and came closest to breaking the deadlock when substitute Edmilson struck the crossbar late in the second half.

However, the main talking point for Julen Lopetegui’s side was talisman Akram Afif’s frustrated reaction after being substituted in the 69th minute, with the forward appearing unhappy as he left the pitch.

Saudi Arabia will hope to end a 22-year wait to regain the Gulf Cup when they host the UAE in Tuesday’s final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

With both teams now one victory away from the trophy, the final promises to be a closely contested encounter between two of the Gulf region’s leading football nations.

UAEFA arranges six planes to transport to final: The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has announced that it will provide six chartered aircraft to transport UAE fans to the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to support the UAE national team in their Gulf Cup final match against Saudi Arabia.

The initiative is part of the UAEFA’s efforts to rally support behind the national team and ensure a strong presence of UAE fans at the highly anticipated final.

The charter flights are intended to make it easier for UAE supporters to travel to Jeddah and attend the decisive encounter, creating a strong atmosphere of support for the national team as it bids to lift the Gulf Cup trophy.

The UAEFA confirmed that a registration link will be made available to fans on Sunday, for supporters wishing to take advantage of the specially arranged flights to Jeddah.