Kuwait eyes winning send-off at Gulf Cup

Players are preparing for the match.

JEDDAH, Sept 28: Kuwait will look to end its Gulf Cup campaign on a high when it faces Oman at 8:30 pm today at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in the final round of Group A at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

In the other Group A match, Saudi Arabia takes on Iraq at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium at the same time.

Saudi Arabia has already secured a semifinal place with six points, while Iraq, on four points, and Oman, on one, are battling for the second qualification spot.

With its semifinal hopes already over, Kuwait will be looking to restore pride and give its fans something to celebrate after losing 1-0 to Saudi Arabia and 3-2 to Iraq.

The Blues were competitive in both matches but were punished by fine margins. They conceded an own goal against Saudi Arabia before surrendering a late winner to Iraq in the ninth minute of stoppage time (90+9), despite seven minutes being initially added by Moroccan referee Jalal Jaid.

Kuwait coach Hélio Sousa knows a victory would be valuable in rebuilding confidence among his players and supporters. The Blues have shown encouraging signs in their opening two games, and a positive result would provide a morale boost and reward their efforts in the tournament.

Oman also needs a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They must win by more than two goals and hope Iraq loses to Saudi Arabia by at least one goal.

Oman has yet to impress consistently, drawing 1-1 with Iraq after a better second-half display and losing 3-0 to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, can afford to rotate their squad after securing qualification. The coaching staff is expected to give playing time to some players who have featured little so far, with the semifinals scheduled for Saturday.

Iraq has the advantage in the race for second place and can qualify with a win or draw. A one-goal defeat could also be enough if Oman fails to win, while Oman’s qualification hopes depend on both the margin of their victory and the Saudi Arabia-Iraq result.

Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff