Saudi Arabia hand Al Hilal defender Mohammed Mahzari official debut against Qatar

Giorgos Donis has handed Al Hilal defender Mohammed Mahzari his first official appearance for Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup 27 semi-final against Qatar.

The two sides meet at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday, with Saudi Arabia seeking a place in Tuesday’s final. Mahzari was not involved in any of Saudi Arabia’s three group-stage matches, but has been selected at right-back after producing a series of strong performances for Al Hilal since joining from Al Taawoun during the summer transfer window.

His inclusion came at the expense of Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, who had started every match for Saudi Arabia in the group stage. Donis also opted not to use Nawaf Boushal, who has occasionally played at right-back, as he named Mahzari in the position.

There was another change in defence, with Hassan Tambakti starting on the substitutes’ bench. Abdulilah Al-Amri and Jihad Zakri were chosen at centre-back, while Moteb Al-Harbi retained the left-back position.

Firas Al-Buraikan leads the Saudi attack instead of Abdullah Al-Hamdan. He will be supported by Sultan Mandash, Saleh Abu Al Shamat and Hummam Al-Hamami.

Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals after taking maximum points from Group A. Qatar collected seven points and finished second in Group B, behind United Arab Emirates on goal difference.

The winner of the semi-final will meet the victor of the other last-four tie between United Arab Emirates and Oman in the Gulf Cup 27 final on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais

Defenders: Mohammed Mahzari, Jihad Zakri, Abdulilah Al-Amri, Moteb Al-Harbi

Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Saleh Abu Al Shamat

Forwards: Sultan Mandash, Firas Al-Buraikan, Hummam Al-Hamami