Walid Al-Farraj criticises Abdullah Al-Hamdan after Saudi Arabia win

Saudi Arabia forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan was criticised by broadcaster Walid Al-Farraj after his subdued performance in the 1-0 victory over Kuwait in the opening match of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

Saudi Arabia secured victory on Wednesday at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah in their first Group Stage match of the tournament.

Al-Hamdan, who plays for Al-Nassr and the Saudi Arabia national team, missed several chances during the game and was booed by sections of the “Green Falcons” supporters as he left the pitch.

Speaking on the Rotana Sport with Walid programme on Rotana Khalijia, Al-Farraj said he did not want to single out a player but believed Al-Hamdan’s display was not acceptable.

“I do not want to criticise anyone, but what captain Abdullah Al-Hamdan is offering is not right,” he said.

“There are some players who need two seconds to make a decision, and that type is not suitable for a striker.”

Al-Farraj then called on Al-Hamdan to improve his concentration and decision-making, while pointing to the support available around him in the Saudi team.

“You need to focus more, work harder and be more alert,” he said. “Look at the players around you, such as Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat and Muteb Al-Harbi. The national team around you is good.”

He added: “The moment always gets away from you, and you suffer from a two-second delay. If you get rid of that, things will be different for you, and you will offer a lot to the Saudi Arabia national team.”

Al-Farraj also posted a message on social media reflecting on the match and Saudi Arabia’s status as hosts.

“We wanted to beat the Kuwait national team in the Gulf Cup as hosts,” he wrote. “I will not be greedy, but I want 40,000 in the stands against Oman.”

He also praised other moments from the match, writing: “Humam was the man of determination. Thank you for rescuing Muteb Al-Harbi in the eighth minute. Captain Abdullah Al-Hamdan, please focus more.”

The result gives Saudi Arabia a winning start to their campaign, while Al-Hamdan’s performance has placed him under scrutiny after he failed to convert the opportunities that came his way.