Saudi Arabia reach Gulf Cup 27 final as Georgios Donis faces backlash from fans

Saudi Arabia booked their place in the Gulf Cup 27 final after beating Qatar 3-2 on penalties, but the result did little to ease supporters’ frustration with manager Georgios Donis.

Fans celebrated reaching the final while heavily criticising the Greek coach’s starting line-up, use of players and substitutions during the match. Many felt Saudi Arabia struggled to break down Qatar’s defensive organisation and questioned whether Donis had made the best use of the squad’s strongest performers.

Abu Al-Shamat selection questioned

Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat was one of the players most frequently mentioned by supporters. Several fans argued that he had been among Saudi Arabia’s outstanding performers during the tournament and deserved to start against Qatar, rather than being introduced late in the game.

One supporter wrote: “Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat is one of the stars of the tournament. Unfortunately, he came on late. He should have started instead of his brother, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, on the left wing.”

Those backing Abu Al-Shamat’s inclusion believed he could have offered Saudi Arabia more in attack through his movement, ability to create space and capacity to alter the team’s shape. The debate also raised wider questions about whether the starting line-up had made the most of the players who had impressed during the competition.

Substitutions fuel criticism

The criticism extended beyond Donis’ initial selection and focused on his decisions during the match. Some supporters felt the changes failed to provide the attacking threat Saudi Arabia needed and contributed to a drop in performance during parts of the game.

“Despite the number of shots we had against Qatar, we created only one clear chance, and that came from Sultan Mandash,” one fan said. “On top of that, Donis took him off and brought on Al-Hamdan, who literally did nothing. I hope Donis does not do that again.”

The decision to replace Sultan Mandash particularly angered supporters who regarded him as one of Saudi Arabia’s most active players in the attacking third. They believed his ability to create danger was important against a Qatar side that closed down space and defended deep.

Concerns ahead of UAE final

Attention has now turned to the line-up Donis will choose for Tuesday’s final against the United Arab Emirates, which represents Saudi Arabia’s last opportunity to win the Gulf title.

One supporter said: “The only thing occupying my mind now is the line-up Donis will use on Tuesday. What will it be? Has he realised that there are one or two players whose presence makes no difference, who offer no solutions and are only making up the numbers?”

Although qualification brought relief, some fans argued that victory on penalties should not disguise the problems exposed by the match, particularly Saudi Arabia’s difficulty creating chances and reaching Qatar’s goal.

“Despite reaching the final, and despite Qatar sitting back and closing everything down, I think Donis was confused and is not a coach you can rely on,” another supporter said. “Yesterday, his substitutions weakened the team. I think that might work for him in the Gulf, but Asia is more difficult. There is no room for luck there.”

Donis now has another opportunity to answer those concerns through his decisions against the United Arab Emirates, with Saudi Arabia needing to win the final rather than simply progress from it.