Qatari Team to Face Yemen in Opening Match of 24th Arabian Gulf Cup

Doha, October 23 (QNA) - The draw for the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, which took place in Doha on Wednesday, resulted in hosts Qatar playing against Yemen in the opening match of the tournament. The tournament is organized by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), will be contested by five teams. The five participating teams are hosts Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq and Yemen. That was announced during the draw for the tournament held today in Doha in the presence of representatives of participating teams. The tournament will be held from November 24 until 6 December, after it was scheduled to kick off on November 27. Before entering the procedure for the draw, the event saw the unveiling of the official logo of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup. The tournament's all matches will take place at Khalifa International Stadium, which recently hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships. Its opening match will be between Qatar and Yemen, while the final encounter will be between the Qatari team (the Asian champions) and Kuwait, especially as this edition will be held in a league system of one group. In the first day, the Qatari team will play against the Yemeni counterpart, and the Omani team will play with Iraqi counterpart. The Kuwaiti Football Association had asked the organizing committee for the tournament to place Kuwait's opening match in the second day of the tournament. In the second day, Kuwait will play against Yemen, while Qatar will face Oman. In the third day, Iraq will play Kuwait, and Yemen will face Oman. In the fourth day, Oman will meet Kuwait and Qatar will face Iraq. On the fifth day, Iraq will play against Yemen, while Kuwait will face Qatar. Saud Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup and Vice-President of the Qatar Football Association, said that Qatar's hosting of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup is an opportunity to test its capabilities and expertise in organizing sporting events as it prepares for the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup in December and the 2022 World Cup. Al Mohannadi added that preparations are underway at Khalifa International Stadium to welcome thousands of football fans from Qatar and the region, following the stadium's recent success in hosting the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships. During the press conference held after the end of the draw ceremony, General Secretary of the AGCFF Jassim Al Rumaihi said that the draw placed the Qatari team in the first day of tournament, adding that there was a request from the Kuwaiti Football Association to place Kuwait's opening match in the second day which was approved. Al Rumaihi said that preparations are underway in order to ensure a distinct start to the championship and having the event organized in the best possible manner, adding there is direct communication between the GCC and the organizing committee chaired by Saud Al Mohannadi, and a meeting is held on weekly basis to discuss all the details of the tournament, while praising the role played by QFA in organizing the event. The General Secretary of AGCFF said he was proud to see the tournament held for the fourth time, looking forward to welcome thousands of fans from across the region to enjoy a Gulf football celebration in Qatar. Al Rumaihi added that the tournament will be held at Khalifa International Stadium, which has hosted many major sporting events in Qatar for 40 years and is the first stadium ready to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Vice President of the Arab Gulf Union Cup and Chairman of the Marketing Committee of the Championship Jassim Al Shakili said that the State of Qatar is keen to make the event a success and to pay attention to all the details, pointing to the role of the QFA in this regard. As for the championship prizes, Al Shakili said that the first-place winner will receive $2 million, second place will receive $1 million and each participating team will receive $1million as well. Regarding the next edition of Gulf Cup and where it will be held, Al Shakili said that the AGCFF has received a request from the Iraqi Football Federation to host the next version and it was agreed that this matter will be presented in the form of a bid and will be considered on the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting that will be or on the sidelines of the 24th edition of the Gulf Cup. Khalid Al Kuwari confirmed that all details related to the draw have been announced today and tomorrow the Gulf Cup tickets will be available online and from various outlets across Qatar. The Arabian Gulf Cup was conceptualized during the 1968 Olympics, with the first edition taking place in 1970. Kuwait became the first country to win the title after defeating Bahrain. Qatar has hosted the tournament on three previous occasions: 1976, 1992 and 2004 and won the tournament on three occasions: 1992, 2004 and 2014. (QNA)