Qatar to Face UAE in Arabian Gulf Cup Opener as “Al-Annabi” Eyes Strong Start

The Qatari national football team will kick off its campaign in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Saturday, taking on the UAE at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait. The tournament, hosted by Kuwait, runs until January 3 and features fierce competition among regional teams.

“Al-Annabi” is aiming for a strong start in Group A, which includes host nation Kuwait and Oman, to secure a semifinal spot. The group’s other match, also scheduled for Saturday, will see Kuwait face Oman following the tournament’s opening ceremony.

Qatar arrived in Kuwait on Thursday after a training camp in Doha that began on December 12 under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Luis Garcia, who replaced Marquez Lopez. Garcia has named a 26-player squad for the tournament, featuring a mix of experienced players like Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, as well as emerging talents.

The team’s final training session will take place at Kazma Club Stadium, where Garcia is expected to finalize his lineup and tactical approach. A pre-match press conference is also scheduled, where the coach will share his views on the much-anticipated clash.

Qatar heads into the Gulf Cup seeking to regain momentum after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. The team managed only two wins and a draw in six Group A matches, finishing fourth with seven points—three points behind the UAE. This performance has complicated Qatar’s chances of direct World Cup qualification, prompting a shift in coaching staff.

Despite recent setbacks, Qatar’s roster remains strong, with star players like Akram Afif, crowned Asia’s Best Player in 2023, and Almoez Ali, the top scorer of the 2019 Asian Cup. The team also boasts young talent eager to make an impact, although key figures like Abdelkarim Hassan and Boualem Khoukhi are absent from the squad.

The match against the UAE provides an opportunity for Qatar to avenge recent losses in World Cup qualifiers, where the Emirati side triumphed 3-1 in Doha and 5-0 at home. Historically, Qatar has a slight edge over the UAE in Gulf Cup encounters, winning six of their 15 clashes compared to the UAE’s three victories.

The UAE enters the game on a high note, having secured back-to-back wins in World Cup qualifiers. With both teams determined to make a statement in the opening match, fans can expect an intense and closely fought encounter.