Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait after late own goal in Gulf Cup 27 opener

Saudi Arabia began their Gulf Cup 27 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Wednesday.

The hosts controlled much of the opening match in Group A, but needed an own goal in the 73rd minute to secure all three points. The result followed Iraq’s 1-1 draw with Oman earlier in the day, leaving Saudi Arabia top of the group after the opening round of fixtures.

Saudi Arabia started strongly and Abdullah Al-Hamdan missed an opportunity in the third minute. Kuwait goalkeeper Saud Al-Hawsawi then denied Hassan Kadesh with an important save eight minutes later, while Kuwait’s first meaningful response came through Eid Al-Rashidi in the 16th minute.

The home side thought they had taken the lead in the 37th minute, but the goal was disallowed. Mohammed Kanno advanced down the right before the ball reached Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, who struck powerfully into the Kuwait net.

However, the referee ruled that Kanno had stepped on the foot of Kuwait player Muath Al-Dhafiri during the move, and the goal was cancelled.

Saudi Arabia continued to press after the interval but struggled to convert their territorial advantage into a clear breakthrough. The decisive moment eventually came when Hamam Al-Hamami delivered a cross from the left.

Kuwait defender Yousef Al-Haqan attempted to head the ball clear, only to divert it into his own goal in the 73rd minute. The error handed Saudi Arabia the lead and proved to be the match-winning moment.

Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was forced off six minutes later after suffering a serious injury. Mohammed Al-Owais came on in his place in the 83rd minute.

Kuwait goalkeeper Saud Al-Hawsawi kept his side in contention with further saves as Saudi Arabia continued to attack during the closing stages. The visitors held out, however, and Saudi Arabia completed a 1-0 win.

Gulf Cup 27 is being staged in Jeddah from 23 September to 6 October, with eight national teams divided into two groups.