Saudi Arabia face Qatar in Gulf Cup semi-final as Donis confirms Hawsawi absence

Saudi Arabia are 90 minutes away from the final of the Arab Gulf Cup “Gulf 27” when they face Qatar at Alinma Stadium on Saturday, with manager Georgios Donis confirming Zakaria Hawsawi will miss the semi-final.

The Greek coach said Hassan Tambakti’s involvement had yet to be decided, with a final assessment of his ability to play still to come.

“Tomorrow’s match is different from the group-stage games because it is a knockout fixture,” Donis said at his pre-match news conference. “We are facing a strong team with considerable experience, and we want to produce a good performance and win.”

Donis said Saudi Arabia would need to approach the match collectively, while studying Qatar’s strengths and weaknesses and maintaining concentration from the start of their preparations until kick-off.

“We want to play in front of full stands, especially because the fans created an excellent atmosphere in the previous matches,” he added.

The demanding schedule has also affected the team’s preparation. Saudi Arabia have played three matches in six days, prompting the coaching staff to make decisions over player workload.

“Playing three matches in six days is not easy, so we have made decisions concerning the management of the players’ loads,” Donis said.

On Tambakti, he added: “We will see how capable he is of playing and then make the appropriate decision.”

Donis calls for defensive improvement

Donis highlighted the need for Saudi Arabia to improve defensively and emphasised the importance of keeping a clean sheet against a Qatar side he described as one of the tournament’s most effective teams at creating chances.

“We analyse every opponent and try to exploit their strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “When we keep the ball and make the right decisions, we will be able to create danger and score.”

The manager also said his project with Saudi Arabia would require time. Since taking charge, he has been working gradually to develop the team’s style, with emphasis on possession, set pieces, pressing and making decisions quickly.

“We want to build a team with a clear identity, capable of pressing and creating energy between attack and defence,” Donis said. “The players are responding well and trying to apply the ideas. This mental factor has helped us shorten the amount of time needed.”

He said pressure linked to Saudi Arabia’s history in knockout stages was natural, but could be managed if the players trusted the plan and one another.

“When the players believe in the plan and in their team-mates, and are prepared, they will be able to deal with any situation on the pitch,” Donis said. “We want to play with confidence and flexibility.”

Saudi Arabia forward Abdullah Al-Salem said the semi-final would be unlike the team’s earlier matches.

“This is a semi-final, and we will face a team with great experience that has previously won the Asian Cup,” he said. “But we are also a strong team and are looking forward to reaching the final.”

Al-Salem, who scored his first goal for the national team at the age of 33, said his journey had included difficulties and changes.

“Whether I start or come on as a substitute, the aim is the same: to represent the national team in the best possible way and win the tournament,” he added.