Rabat – Saudi Arabia secured their first Gulf Cup title in over two decades on Tuesday, with a 2-0 over the United Arab Emirates on home soil.
The opening goal came in the 11th minute through Hammam Al Hammami. The winger fired a shot from just outside the box that took a deflection before hitting the back of the net.
Capitalizing on their momentum, the host side quickly doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Feras Al Brikan turned the ball home from close range.
Saudi Arabia nearly added a third shortly after when Saleh Abu Alshamat, starting with his brother Mohammed, saw his powerful strike smash off the bar.
The UAE were awarded a penalty in the 38th minute, but their hopes were dashed moments later as a VAR intervention overturned the call.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais protected the lead after the break, pulling off a sharp save to stop Sultan Adil.
The UAE’s late pressure created another close call in the 88th minute when Fabio Lima struck the crossbar. Saudi Arabia ultimately completed the tournament without conceding a single goal.
Saudi Arabia reached the final after beating Qatar 3-2 on penalties following 120 goalless minutes.
The defeat ended the UAE’s quest for a third Gulf Cup trophy, having previously lifted the title in 2007 and 2013. It was the Emiratis’ first appearance in the final since 2018.
The victory secured a fourth Gulf Cup title for Saudi Arabia, marking their first triumph in the tournament since 2004.
