Qatar and UAE Kick Off 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 1-1 Draw
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Akram Afif's penalty and Al-Ghassani's equalizer set the stage for a dramatic opener.
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The 26th Arabian Gulf Cup began with high drama as Qatar and the UAE played out an electrifying 1-1 draw at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait on Saturday.
A well-timed penalty by Qatar’s Akram Afif in the 17th minute was canceled out by Yahya Al-Ghassani’s equalizer for the UAE just before halftime.
The match marked a significant start for Qatar under the leadership of new coach Luis Garcia. Despite featuring several players with limited international experience, the Qatari squad displayed resilience and cohesion throughout.
Afif, Qatar's talisman, was a standout performer, stepping up to convert the penalty with precision and driving numerous attacking plays. Remarkably, he joined the squad in Kuwait less than 24 hours before kick-off, showcasing his commitment and skill.
Reflecting on the game, midfielder Tareq Salman expressed optimism: “It was a challenging match, but we delivered a good result. We had chances to score more, and I believe we dominated much of the game.”
Luis Garcia’s passionate debut on the sidelines also drew attention, earning the Spanish coach a yellow card in the second half. His energy mirrored the team’s determination to make their mark in the tournament.
The UAE, led by Yahya Al-Ghassani’s striking equalizer, also impressed with their defensive organization and counterattacking threats.
Elsewhere, hosts Kuwait and Oman shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw, adding more excitement to the tournament's opening day.
With this result, Qatar’s fans remain hopeful as the team aims to build on its promising start and chase glory in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup.
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