Saudi Arabia striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan admits side must improve after Kuwait win

Saudi Arabia striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan acknowledged that his team fell below the expected level in their opening match of Gulf 27, despite securing a 1-0 victory over Kuwait in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia began the tournament, which it is hosting, with three points after defeating Kuwait. Al-Hamdan said the result was important for the team.

“We congratulate the Saudi people on the victory. The win was important and we needed it,” he told Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah.

Al-Hamdan accepted that Saudi Arabia had not produced their best performance, but said the difficulty of opening matches had played a part.

“ We were not bad, and we reached the opponent’s goal, but there are certain things we need to develop. With time, we will perform better,” he added.

The victory put Saudi Arabia top of Group A after the first round, with three points. They lead Oman and Iraq by two points after the two sides drew 1-1.

Kuwait are bottom of the group without a point.

Saudi Arabia will play Oman in the second round on Saturday, while Iraq face Kuwait.