Preview: Saudi Arabia Hunt for Redemption against Yemen in Must-Win Gulf Cup Showdown
Saudi Arabia are gearing up to face Yemen in a pivotal 26th Arabian Gulf Cup match at Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium in Kuwait City on Wednesday. The Green Falcons is seeking their first points in the tournament, having suffered a defeat in their opening game.
Pressure Mounts on Renard
The Green Falcons aim to bounce back after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Bahrain in their Gulf Cup opener last week. Since 2023, Saudi Arabia have lost three consecutive Gulf Cup matches, increasing pressure on coach Hervé Renard. Appointed in October, Renard has managed only one win in four games—a 3-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.
Saudi Arabia’s defensive record has been shaky, conceding four goals in their last two games—matching their previous four matches combined.
New Setback for Green Falcons
Saudi Arabia face setbacks as defender Yasser Al-Shehrani is sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained in training. The Green Falcons are already without key players like Saleh Al-Shehri, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Firas Al-Buraikan. However, midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr, who scored in the opener, will be pivotal in the attack.
On the other hand, Yemen suffered a 1-0 defeat against Iraq in their opening Gulf Cup match, extending their winless streak in the tournament. Despite ten prior Gulf Cup appearances, Yemen have never progressed beyond the group stage. The team have failed to win 23 of their last 25 matches across all competitions. Offensively, they have struggled, failing to score in four of their last six games.
However, Yemen could retain a similar lineup, led by captain Abdulwasea Al-Matari, the team’s top scorer with 11 goals.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, the Green Falcons have dominated Yemen, securing 17 wins and one draw in 18 encounters, including 11 clean sheets in the last 12 games.
Saudi Arabia are expected to have the upper hand in the game due to their historical dominance and Yemen’s ongoing struggles. A win is essential for the Green Falcons to revive their Gulf Cup hopes and regain confidence under Hervé Renard. However, Yemen will aim to defy expectations and secure a historic result against their stronger opponents.
This match is critical for both teams’ aspirations, as their Gulf Cup progression hinges on this outcome. Fans eagerly anticipate an intense battle between Saudi Arabia and Yemen for vital points in Kuwait City.
