Rabat – Saudi Arabia face Comoros in Group B’s second round at the FIFA Arab Cup today at Al Bayt Stadium. The Green Falcons began with a win and are aiming for their third Arab Cup title, their first since 2002.
Another victory would almost secure a quarter-final place before their final group match against Morocco.
Comoros are making their Arab Cup debut. They reached the group stage after a dramatic qualifier, scoring twice in stoppage time to draw 4-4 with Yemen before winning on penalties.
In their opener, they lost 3-1 to Morocco but showed spirit by scoring in the second half.
Coach Hamada Jambay’s team remain motivated and want to prove themselves, even as underdogs against Saudi Arabia.
Match Details
- Fixture: Saudi Arabia vs Comoros
- Competition: FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 (Group B – Matchday 2)
- Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor (Qatar)
- Date: Friday, December 5
- Kick-off: 7:30 p.m. (GMT+1) / 9:30 p.m. Mecca time (GMT+3)
How to Watch: Free-to-air on beIN Sports, Al Kass Sports, Dubai Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports, SSC (Saudi Sports), and other regional channels.
Saudi Arabia Team News
Absences and Returns: Saudi Arabia have brought a full-strength squad with most first-choice players available. There are no major injuries or club conflicts. Coach Hervé Renard, in his second spell with the team, has picked an experienced side.
The lineup that beat Oman 2-1 in the opener should stay mostly the same. Winger Salem Al-Dawsari stood out with two assists and looked fit and in form.
Key Players: Captain Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal) is the main creative force on the left. Up front, Feras Al-Buraikan and Saleh Al-Shehri give Saudi a strong strike partnership, both scoring in the first match.
Renard is likely to keep his strongest lineup to secure qualification before resting players later.
Predicted lineup (Saudi Arabia): N. Al-Aqidi (GK); S. Abdulhamid, A. Al-Amri, Abdullah Madu, H. Kadesh; A. Al-Khaibari, A. Al-Hassan; Ayman Yahya, Turki Al-Ammar, Salem Al-Dawsari; Feras Al-Buraikan. (Coach: Hervé Renard)
Comoros Team News
Absences and Returns: Comoros have no new injuries and will use the same squad that qualified.
Their team is made up of domestic and diaspora players who have trained together for a long camp.
Some veterans from AFCON 2022 are retired or not selected, but the core group remains motivated.
After showing fight against Morocco in the second half of their opener, Comoros are expected to keep a similar lineup as they chase their first Arab Cup points.
Key Players: Comoros have several names to watch. Winger Zaid Amir, 22, became a hero with two late goals in the qualifier against Yemen and is a fast counterattacking option.
Goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina, known for strong performances in big games, will be key if Saudi Arabia attack heavily.
Predicted lineup (Comoros): S. Ben Boina (GK); S. Bakari, K. M’Dahoma, A. Soilihi, A. Abdallah; Y. M’Changama, Y. Bourhane; Zaid Amir, Rafiki Saïd, Faïz Selemani; El Fardou Ben. (Coach: Hamada Jambay)
What to Expect
Saudi Arabia are expected to take control from the start. The Green Falcons will press high and keep possession, using their skill and experience. Midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari will sit deep to stop Comoros attacks, giving Salem Al-Dawsari freedom to create.
Coach Herve Renard may rotate players in the second half ahead of the Morocco match.
Comoros will likely defend deep and look to counter. They are expected to line up in a compact 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1, closing spaces and relying on discipline.
Their main threat will be quick breaks through Zaid Amir’s pace or Ben’s movement. Set pieces could also be important, with Youssouf M’Changama’s delivery from free-kicks and corners offering chances.
To succeed, they must avoid another slow start like against Morocco, when they conceded three goals by halftime. Holding firm early could put pressure on Saudi Arabia as the match goes on.
Safe Bets & Prediction
- Both Teams to Score: Unlikely – Saudi’s defense should stop Comoros, who have only scored through an own-goal. A Saudi clean sheet is expected.
- Total Goals: Under 2.5 – Comoros will defend deep, which could limit scoring. Saudi may win by a two-goal margin.
- Al-Buraikan to Score: Likely – Feras Al-Buraikan scored in the opener and is well-placed to score again against weaker defense.
- Saudi Arabia to Win: Very likely – Saudi’s quality and experience make them clear favorites. A loss or draw would be a major upset.
