The United Arab Emirates kicked off their 27th Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Yemen in their opening Group B match, held at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. This emphatic win sets a strong tone for the UAE, as they aim for their third Gulf Cup title following previous victories in 2007 and 2013.
Nicolas Gimenez was a standout performer, opening the scoring in the 26th minute and later securing a brace with his second goal just six minutes into the second half. The UAE’s lead was bolstered by Yemen defender Nader Sahal, who inadvertently scored an own goal, further extending the advantage. Luan Pereira added a third goal before halftime, cementing the team’s commanding position.
Under the guidance of new coach Zlatko Dalic, the UAE exhibited superior control throughout the match, maintaining 61 percent of possession and registering 12 shots on goal. In contrast, Yemen struggled to threaten, managing only two attempts, neither of which were on target.
Looking ahead, the UAE is set to face Bahrain on September 27, followed by Qatar on September 30 in their final Group B match. The outcome of these games will determine if they advance to the semifinals, as the top two teams from the group will qualify.
This opening win not only provides a morale boost for the team but also highlights their potential as strong contenders in the tournament. With a solid performance in their first match, the UAE seem well-positioned to advance and possibly add another Gulf Cup title to their history.