The dates and venues have been confirmed for the semi-finals of the Khaleeji Zain 26 in Kuwait, with the final now set to be played on Saturday, January 4.
The tournament has been an incredible success, with tens of thousands of fans packing into the Jaber Al-Ahmad and Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadiums to witness some exceptional action from the 12 group games held to date.
It’s been a memorable tournament for 10-time winners Kuwait, who are unbeaten with a win and two draws in Group A to book a semi-final with Bahrain, who finished in Group B on six points following two wins.
That match is expected to be another sell-out at the 57,000-capacity Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Tuesday night with a kick off at 8.30pm.
The other semi-final, to be held on the same night at the Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium, will feature three-time winners Saudi Arabia who will meet Oman. That match kids off at 5.25pm.
Meanwhile, organisers have announced that players will have an extra day of rest to prepare for the final which will now take place at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Saturday night (January 4), instead of the previous evening.
Semi-finals: Tuesday, December 31
- Saudi Arabia v Oman (5.25pm @ Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium)
- Kuwait v Bahrain (8.45pm @ Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium)
What the former players are saying:
“Kuwait’s chances are strong to overcome Bahrain despite Bahrain being considered favourites after wins over Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the group stage. The Saudi Arabia and Oman match will also be difficult match for both teams, given Oman’s ambition to reach the final match, and Saudi Arabia is also seeking to raise the 26th Gulf Cup after an absence of 21 years.” – Former Kuwait striker Faraj Laheeb
“Kuwait are capable of beating Bahrain because of the advantage of being at home with the fans right behind them. They have shown from the group games that they are capable, and deserve to reach the semi-finals. The Saudi Arabia and Oman match will not be easy. It will be fierce because there is no compensation for the loser so both teams will try to score early on.” – Former Kuwait national team and Al-Sulaibikhat club coach Thamer Anad
“I wish my country victory against Bahrain and to reach the final. The Blues are armed with the fans, the land and the full support of the Kuwaitis and we hope they win. Saudi Arabia will have the advantage after showing their improving level of performance as the tournament has gone on.” – Former Al-Azraq and Al-Arabi club midfielder Mohammed Jaragh
