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UAE's player celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out at the end of the 2017 Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and the UAE. Image Credit: AFP

The final match of the Gulf Cup kicks off Friday between the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Oman at 6.30PM (UAE time). The final match of the tournament will take place in Kuwait City. 

UAE stars have also vowed to return with the Gulf Cup, with UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa saying, “Our goal was to make our leaders and people happy. We now vow to return to the UAE with the title.”

Tomorrow is a big day for sport fans in the country, UAE Rulers have announced free trips for football fans to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup finals in Kuwait.

What went down in the semi-finals?

UAE against Iraq
Throughout the tournament, UAE played a heavily defensive match, becoming the only team to have reached the finals without conceding a single goal. UAE changed strategy against Iraq on Tuesday, and fought for goals, though neither team made any leeway.

Both teams were locked 0-0 at stipulated and extra-time. However, as goalkeeper Khalid Eisa (UAE) saved the first shot, the pressure was on for the Iraqi side. With Humam Tariq (Iraq) shooting over from the third shot, UAE bagged their finals spot.

Oman against Bahrain
It was the opposite team that won the game for Oman in the first half with an own goal by Mahdi Abdul Jabbar (Bahrain).

Oman then kept their lead throughout the match with great saves and defensive action on the field. This is Oman’s first finals stint since 2009.

If you plan on watching it, here’s a quick brief on the tournament to get you up to speed.

• Participating nations include Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

• The first tournament was hosted in Bahrain in 1970 with Kuwait taking home the trophy.

• Kuwait is also the most successful team, winning the tournament 10 times.

• Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq are tied at second, having won the tournament 3 times each.

• The UAE have won the tournament twice, in 2007 and 2013.

• Oman have won the tournament once; and Bahrain and Yemen have not won it yet.

• 1976 saw the most goals scored in the competition with 84. That’s 3.82 per game.

• The Golden Boot winner of the last tournament was Emirati forward Ali Mabkhout who scored 5 goals in the 2014 Gulf Cup.

Where to watch it

Abu Dhabi Sports and Dubai Sports will broadcast the game.

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