JEDDAH: Oman will face the United Arab Emirates in the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup 27 on October 3 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, following the UAE’s 1-1 draw with Qatar in their final Group B match on Wednesday.
The result confirmed the UAE as Group B winners, setting up a meeting with Oman, who finished second in Group A after defeating Kuwait 3-1 and advancing through a draw of lots with Iraq.
The UAE started brightly and created the first clear opportunity in the 12th minute when Fabio Lima’s free-kick was brilliantly saved by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
However, Qatar took the lead against the run of play in the 33rd minute.
Jassim Jaber delivered a cross into the box, which Almoez Ali converted to put the defending side ahead.
The UAE responded before half-time, with Ali Saleh firing a low shot from outside the penalty area in the fourth minute of added time to level the score.
The UAE pushed for a winner after the break, but Abunada denied Luanzinho from close range in the 48th minute.
Both sides created further opportunities, including a dangerous UAE attack in the 75th minute, but neither could find a decisive goal.
This result also confirmed Saudi Arabia’s semi-final meeting with Qatar.
