Jeddah, September 30 (QNA) – Qatar drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their match today at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in the final round of Group B matches at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, currently being held in Jeddah.
The match was to determine the group winner after both teams had already secured qualification for the semifinals. Both moved to seven points, with the UAE finishing top on goal difference. The UAE will face Group A runner-up Oman in the first semifinal on Saturday at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, while Group B runner-up Qatar will meet Group A winner Saudi Arabia in the second semifinal on the same day at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The match was closely contested from the outset, with Qatar relying on quick transitions that helped it take the lead. Jassem Gaber delivered a cross that Almoez Ali turned into the net for the opening goal in the 33rd minute.
The UAE increased its attacking threat after falling behind and put Qatar’s goal under considerable pressure. It eventually equalized when Khaled Al Tanhani played the ball toward Ali Saleh, who controlled it before firing a low shot into the net in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The UAE applied pressure in the second half and intensified its attacks in search of the lead, while Qatar dropped deeper and looked to counterattack. Neither side was able to score, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. (QNA)