Saudi Arabia dominate Gulf Cup 27 awards after defeating UAE

Saudi Arabia claimed almost every individual honour at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup after securing the title with a 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the final.

The final was played on Tuesday at Al Inma Stadium in Jeddah, where the Saudi national team completed its campaign with victory over the UAE. Following the match, the Gulf Cup Football Federation announced the winners of the tournament’s awards.

Saleh Abu Al Shamat, who represents Al Ahli and Saudi Arabia, was named player of the final. His award followed a display that helped the hosts overcome the UAE and lift the trophy on home soil.

Saudi Arabia also provided the tournament’s leading player and best goalkeeper. Hummam Al Hammami was selected as the best player of the competition, while Mohammed Al Owais received the award for best goalkeeper.

Firas Al-Braikan, the Al Ahli and Saudi Arabia forward, finished as the tournament’s top scorer. He scored three goals in total, including two against Oman and one in the final against the United Arab Emirates.

The only award not won by a Saudi player went to Yemen’s Adel Abbas, who was named the tournament’s best emerging player.

The success gave Saudi Arabia its first Arabian Gulf Cup title in 23 years. Its previous triumph came in the 2003 edition of the competition.

The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, were unable to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2013. Their defeat in Jeddah extended their wait for another Gulf Cup title.