Nashat Akram questions Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Cup win over Kuwait

Nashat Akram says Saudi Arabia did not deserve to beat Kuwait in their opening match at the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”, arguing that a draw would have been the fairest result.

Saudi Arabia secured a 1-0 victory in Group A on Wednesday evening at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, with the decisive goal coming from a defensive mistake in the 73rd minute.

Kuwait defender Youssef Al-Haqan inadvertently headed a cross from Hmama Al-Hammami into his own net, handing Saudi Arabia three points.

Speaking to Qatar’s Al Kass channel after the match, Iraq legend Akram praised Kuwait’s performance and questioned the threat posed by their opponents.

“The Kuwait national team played a competitive match. They were aggressive and organised, particularly in attack, while Saudi Arabia did not pose a genuine threat in the penalty area,” Akram said.

He added: “If not for the defensive mistake that led to the goal, Saudi Arabia would not have scored, even if the match had been played twice or three times.”

Akram acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s ability to produce entertaining football but said they had struggled to create chances.

“Saudi Arabia are an entertaining team, but they cannot create a scoring opportunity or get to the goal,” he said.

He also compared the contest with the other opening Group A fixture between Iraq and Oman.

“This match was stronger than the first match in the group between Iraq and Oman, but I believe a draw was the fair result,” Akram concluded.

Saudi Arabia’s victory came despite Kuwait being described by Akram as the more dangerous and better-organised side in attacking areas. The result nevertheless gives the hosts an early advantage in Group A, with the only goal arriving through an own goal rather than an effort scored directly by a Saudi Arabia player.