Kuwait target 11th Gulf Cup title as fans receive travel boost

Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef says the national team has travelled to Jeddah determined to challenge for the Gulf Cup title at “Gulf 27”.

Kuwait, known as Al-Azraq, begin their campaign against hosts Saudi Arabia at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. The two sides are in Group A alongside Iraq and Oman.

This edition of the Gulf Cup will be played from 23 September to 6 October.

“We are undoubtedly preparing the national team to compete for every tournament we enter,” Al-Yousef told Kuwait Sports Channel. “As for the result, that is in God’s hands.”

Kuwait are seeking an 11th Gulf Cup triumph, and Al-Yousef said the tournament’s long history means every participating side will be competing with the same ambition.

“The Gulf Cup is now more than 50 years old, and everyone is seeking to win it,” he said. “Everyone is preparing in the best possible way. God willing, it will be a fair competition, and that is the most important thing, and this edition will be a success.”

The Kuwait Football Association has also made arrangements to help supporters attend the matches in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Yousef revealed that a supporters’ association would begin operating in Jeddah the following day, while up to three aircraft had been arranged to carry about 650 Kuwait fans to the matches involving Al-Azraq.

“We have provided a supporters’ association that will start working tomorrow in Jeddah, and we have also provided up to three planes to transport around 650 fans to attend Al-Azraq’s matches,” he said.

“We expect there to be more flights, in addition to the large number of Kuwaiti people already in the Kingdom. Anyone who wants to attend, we will publish the announcement from the supporters’ association in Jeddah to make all the arrangements easier.”

The Kuwait Football Association president also praised the cooperation of the Saudi authorities and highlighted the access available to Kuwaiti visitors travelling to the tournament.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia always opens its doors to the people of Kuwait, from the border crossings to the airports,” Al-Yousef said.

Kuwait’s opening fixture against Saudi Arabia will be followed by group-stage matches against Iraq and Oman, with the team aiming to end its wait for a record-extending 11th Gulf Cup crown.