UAE endure Kuwait pressure to enter semis
Abu Dhabi: UAE huffed and puffed to settle for a goalless draw against a spirited host Kuwait to book a place in the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium on Thursday.
The semis spots in Group ‘A’ were wide open with UAE and Saudi Arabia tied at four points each and Oman on three going into the final round.
However, with Saudi certain of losing in the other outing being simultaneously played against Oman 2-0, UAE couldn’t afford to lose as they would have still been forced out the tournament on goal difference.
In the first half, with star mid-fielder Omar Abdul Rahman ‘Amoori’ being simply at his best, UAE had a fair share of the ball and better scoring opportunities.
However, UAE were in deep trouble after the change of ends once they decided to be on the defensive.
Kuwait, already knocked out of the tournament, were all over the UAE territory in the final quarter and they seriously threatened to play the role of a perfect spoiler.
The closest of calls being a scotching volley from substitute Abdullah Al Buraiki just sailing over the frame work in the 85th minute. Then goalkeeper Khalid Eisa came up with a couple of brilliant saves to keep their sheet clean and saved the day for UAE.