The United Arab Emirates kicked off their 27th Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a commanding 4-0 win against Yemen in their opening Group B match at Alinma Stadium, Jeddah. This decisive victory sets a strong tone for the UAE under the guidance of new coach Zlatko Dalic.
The match saw Nicolas Gimenez open the scoring in the 26th minute, followed shortly by an own goal from Yemen defender Nader Sahal just 10 minutes later. Luan Pereira extended the UAE’s lead with a third goal before the half-time whistle. Gimenez completed his brace six minutes into the second half, securing a four-goal advantage for the UAE.
Throughout the game, the UAE maintained control with 61 percent possession and managed 12 shots, in stark contrast to Yemen’s two attempts, neither of which found the target. This dominant performance not only highlights the UAE’s attacking prowess but also their defensive stability.
Looking ahead, the UAE will face Bahrain on September 27, followed by a match against Qatar on September 30 in their final Group B fixture. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semifinals as the UAE strives for their third Gulf Cup title, having previously won in 2007 and 2013.