Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Cup scoring record offers confidence ahead of Qatar semi-final

Saudi Arabia’s strong goalscoring record against Qatar in the Gulf Cup will provide encouragement before the two sides meet in Saturday’s semi-final of the 27th edition of the competition.

Saudi Arabia have scored 34 goals against Qatar since the Gulf Cup began in 1970, making Qatar the third-highest scorers conceded to by the Green Falcons in the tournament’s history.

Only Oman and Bahrain have allowed more goals against Saudi Arabia. Oman have conceded 36, while Bahrain have shipped 35. Qatar are followed in the standings by the United Arab Emirates on 24 goals, Yemen on 22, Kuwait on 20 and Iraq on 10.

Qatar, by contrast, have scored 14 times against Saudi Arabia in their Gulf Cup meetings, giving the Green Falcons a clear advantage in the historical scoring figures before their latest encounter.

Saudi Arabia’s 34 goals have been shared among 22 players. One of those names is Qatar’s Hamed Shami, who is included because he scored an own goal. Qatar’s 14 goals against Saudi Arabia have been scored by 14 different players.

Saturday’s match will be the 23rd meeting between the two teams in the Gulf Cup. Their overall record across all competitions stands at 41 matches, adding another chapter to a long-running rivalry between the Gulf neighbours.

Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals after finishing top of Group A. Qatar advanced from Group B in second place, setting up another meeting between the sides at Alinma Stadium.

The winner will qualify for the Gulf Cup 27 final, which will be played on Tuesday against the victor of the other semi-final between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. That match will determine the finalists and complete the line-up for the match to decide this year’s champions.