UAE defeats Oman, faces Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup final

Where Diplomacy Meets News

UAE defeats Oman, faces Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup final

October 4, 2026

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia,— The United Arab Emirates will face Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup final after a 1-0 win over Oman on Saturday. Ousmane Camara, a forward, scored the lone goal.

In the earlier semi-final, neither side scored in 120 minutes of poor-quality play. Saudi Arabia then beat Asian champions Qatar 3-2 on penalties.

Camara’s goal came from close range, a header that sent Zlatko Dalic‘s side to the final for the first time since 2018.

The UAE is chasing a third Gulf Cup title after triumphs in 2007 and 2013, according to Reuters.

Nicolas Gimenez, the UAE playmaker, failed from the penalty spot in the 56th minute of the match.

“After we missed the penalty, of course we changed three players,” Dalic told Abu Dhabi Sports TV. The former Croatia coach said the new players brought more energy and changed the rhythm.

He also said his team never gave up and had worked hard for the last 20 days for this game.

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais was key in the shootout. He made two saves, stopping Jassem Gaber and Boualem Khoukhi from the spot.

Al Owais, who is 34, saved Khoukhi’s penalty and denied him again when the kick was retaken.

Qatar were compact at the back. Substitute Edmilson hit the crossbar late in the second half, their closest chance to break the deadlock.

Akram Afif, Qatar’s talisman, was the main talking point for coach Julen Lopetegui’s side. He looked frustrated as he left the pitch after being substituted in the 69th minute.

Oman, the runners-up in the previous edition, reached the semi-finals by lot after finishing level with Iraq on all Group A tiebreak criteria.

Saudi Arabia hopes to end a 22-year wait for the Gulf Cup title when it hosts the UAE on Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

(With files from Reuters)