Jeddah:Qatar secured a 1-0 win against Yemen at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday, marking their second consecutive victory in Group B of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.
According to Qatar News Agency, Yusuf Abdurisag scored the decisive goal in the 64th minute, helping Qatar to maintain their lead at the top of the group with six points. The victory puts them provisionally three points ahead of the United Arab Emirates, who are set to play Bahrain later in the same round.
For Yemen, this defeat marks their second loss in a row, leaving them at the bottom of the group without a point and ending their chances of advancing, regardless of their upcoming match against Bahrain.
The match saw Qatar start aggressively, nearly scoring in the opening minutes through Akram Afif, only to be thwarted by Yemen's goalkeeper Mohammed Aman. Despite Yemen's defensive approach, Qatar continued to press, with several attempts by Hassan Al Haydos and Afif being saved by Aman.
As the game progressed, Yemen showed more attacking effort, especially towards the end of the first half, but Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada managed to handle their attempts. Qatar missed another chance just before halftime when Abdurisag's shot went over the crossbar, leaving the score at 0-0 at the break.
In the second half, Qatar maintained their attacking pressure and came close to scoring again early on. The breakthrough came when Edmilson Junior's cross found Abdurisag, who scored from close range. Qatar was later awarded a penalty, but Afif's attempt was saved by Aman.
Yemen responded by pushing for an equaliser, with substitute Nasser Mohammedou coming close, but his shot was off-target. Qatar held on to their lead, ensuring a crucial victory as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals.