Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait in Gulf Cup opener

Doha: Salman Al Moasher scored a goal and provided an assist as Saudi Arabia started their Gulf Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over hosts Kuwait in a Group A match at the Jaber Al Ahmad  International Stadium on Friday.

Substitute Mukhtar Fallatah scored the other goal for Saudi Arabia while Abdullah Al Buraiki, another substitute, found the target for Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia took the lead in the 13th minute after Al Moasher controlled Ahmed Al Fraidi’s through ball and fired home a right footer, giving Kuwait goalkeeper Ahmed Al Fraidi no chance.

The Saudis came close to doubling their lead when After Nouh Al Mousa hit the upright with a left-footer while Kuwait’s Faisal Al Harbi also hit the post in the first half.

Fallatah scored the second goal for Saudi Arabia in the 52nd minute off an Al Moasher pass but Kuwait fought back valiantly and eight minutes later, Al Buraiki volleyed home soon after entering the pitch to make it 2-1.

Though Kuwait had battled hard for an equaliser the Saudis held on for invaluable three points.

In the second match, Ali Ahmed Mabkhout converted a penalty in the 28th minute as UAE beat Oman 1-0.