Qatar eyes semifinal boost against Yemen

Qatar and Bahrain players fight for the ball.

JEDDAH, Sept. 26: Qatar will take a major step toward the semifinals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup when it faces Yemen today at 6:55 p.m. at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in the second round of Group B.

The Qataris, led by Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, made a strong start to their campaign with a 2-0 victory over defending champions Bahrain.

Another win would put Qatar in a commanding position to reach the last four before its final group match against the UAE. Yemen, on the other hand, must avoid defeat and ideally secure a win to keep its hopes alive. However, its qualification would still depend on the final-round results against Bahrain.

Yemen’s hopes suffered an early blow after it was beaten 4-0 by the UAE in its opening match. Algerian coach Noureddine Ould Ali now faces a difficult challenge as he seeks to keep the team’s historic ambitions alive.

Yemen is aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time, but it faces a formidable Qatar side that combines international experience with tactical stability under Lopetegui.