Bahrain, Yemen finalize preparations for Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah

Bahrain's coach says the holders aim to defend the Gulf Cup title as Yemen finalizes a 26-man squad for the tournament opening September 23 in Jeddah.

• The 27th Gulf Cup runs in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6.
• Bahrain's coach Dragan Talajić said his team came to Jeddah to defend its title, opening Thursday against Qatar.
• Yemen's coach Noureddine Ould Ali settled a 26-man squad, excluding four players including Qasim al-Sharqi.
• Ould Ali said Yemen aims to compete strongly and is not merely preparing for the Asian Cup.