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Titanic clash

Oman take on Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup final today as they seek to win their first-ever title after finishing second best on two occasions.

  • By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 23:33 January 16, 2009
  • Gulf News

Muscat: Hosts Oman face Saudi Arabia at 6pm tonight at the stadium of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex to decide the winners of the 19th Gulf Cup.

Oman, who have featured in the last two finals of the regional tournament, lost to Qatar in 2004 and the UAE in 2007.

As hosts they believe this is their best chance to win the title for the first time irrespective of the fact that they face Saudi Arabia, one of the best teams in Asia and three-time Gulf Cup winner.

Most of the Omani players will not feature in the next Gulf Cup in Yemen.Despite their outstanding performances, they have never won a title, which is why this trophy is so important to them.

"This generation of players will not be available in 2010. It is their last chance to win a title for their country. They realise this fact and their determination is great. That is what is motivating them," Bruno Metsu, Qatar head coach, told Gulf News before leaving Muscat. "This is the golden generation."

Oman and Saudi Arabia were simply the two best teams in the tournament judging by their personnel, tactics and preparations.

Besides the Gulf Cup title, there are individual records at stake as well.

Goalkeepers Ali Al Habsi of Oman and Waleed Abdullah of Saudi Arabia are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Hassan Rabie of Oman is top scorer with four goals. He is followed by Yasir Al Qahtani and Malek Mouaz, both from Saudi Arabia, with two goals each.

Majed Al Murshidi of Saudi Arabia has been nominated for the tournament's Most Valuable Player title. But Rabie and Fawzi Basheer from Oman are also in the race.

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