Akram Afif strike gives Qatar 1-1 draw against the UAE in Arab Gulf Cup

Dec 22, 2024

Star striker Akram Afif’s penalty helped Asian champions Qatar hold the UAE to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Sulaibikhat, Kuwait, on Saturday.

Afif overcame uncertainties to start for Qatar and opened his team’s scoring in the 17th minute. But Yahya Al Ghassani equalised for the UAE in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half at the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah Stadium.

Qatar, coached by Luis Garcia, will play their second Group A match against Oman on Tuesday, while the UAE will face hosts Kuwait the same day.

It was the UAE who first came close to goal, as Harib Abdullah took the match’s first shot in the eighth, but his long-range effort sailed high.

Qatar’s opening goal came through a brilliant play by Homam Al Amin, who was skillful in the box and earned a penalty after Khalifa Al Hammadi handled the ball while attempting to block his pass. Afif calmly converted, sending the ball straight down the middle as Eissa dove to his left.

UAE responded with pressure, and the team thought they had equalised through a Bruno goal, assisted by Fabio Lima, but the goal was ruled as offside after a VAR check.

The UAE finally found the equaliser just before the lemon break. A stunning run by Al Ghassani saw him collect the ball on the left, charge into the box, dodge two defenders, and then evade another before calmly slotting the ball into the right corner.

The UAE carried their momentum into the second half, continuing to press and dominating possession, but Qatar’s defense held strong.

Qatari goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham made a crucial save with just 18 minutes remaining in the match. He dove to his right to deny a powerful shot from Lima outside the box.

Despite UAE’s persistent pressure, Qatar held firm, and came away with a point in their opening match.

Earlier, Kuwait’s Amir HH Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah inaugurated the tournament at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.

Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani attended the ceremony.

Kuwait and Oman played out a 1-1 draw in the tournament’s opening game. Youssef Nasir gave the home team the lead in the 34th before Issam Al Sabhi cancelled the goal eight minutes later.

Today, defending champions Iraq will open their title defence against Yemen in the first Group B match at the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium. It will be followed by a match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at the same venue.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, scheduled to be held on December 31. The final will be played on January 3, 2025.