Sports
Khaleeji 27 Semifinals: Saudi Arabia and Qatar Renew Rivalry in Jeddah
October 3, 2026 at 01:59 PM · Updated 13d ago
Coverage
11 reports · over 14 hours
Saudi Arabia face Qatar and UAE meet Oman in the Khaleeji 27 semifinals Saturday in Jeddah, with both sides carrying dominant all-time results.
- Saudi Arabia and Qatar play at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday, their 23rd Gulf Cup meeting.
- Saudi Arabia leads the series 10–3 with nine draws, having scored 34 goals to Qatar's 14.
- UAE face Oman at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, leading that series 12–3 with seven draws.
- The winners of both semifinals meet in the final on Tuesday.
- Saudi Arabia coach Giorgos Donis omitted Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat and handed Mohammed Mahzari his first official national-team appearance in the starting lineup.
- The semifinal went to extra time, where the referee and VAR rejected two Saudi penalty appeals, ruling the ball had hit Qatari defenders' hands.
- The two decisions sparked anger from Saudi players and coach Giorgos Donis during extra time.
- Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui substituted Akram Afif in the 69th minute with the score 0-0, and the winger left the pitch asking 'why?'
- Saudi Arabia beat Qatar 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular and extra time.
- Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais excelled in the shootout to secure the win for his side.
- Saudi Arabia dominated possession at 53 percent and registered four shots to Qatar's one.
- Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui called Saudi Arabia the best team in Khaleeji 27 and defended his defensive approach, citing fatigue and the weather.









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