Asian champions and hosts Qatar are set to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a decisive football match at the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup in Doha.

Kick-off for the sold-out Group A encounter is at 5:30 pm local time on Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium, a 40,000-capacity venue, in the Qatari capital.

A semi-final berth is up for grabs at the biennial regional tournament after both teams lost to Iraq and recorded wins over Yemen in their opening two group matches.

Qatar need a draw to advance on goal difference, while a win for the 2017 finalists UAE will see them through to the knock-out stage.

"We will enter Monday's game against the UAE with an aim to win. I know even a draw is good for us against them, but it's always risky to play for a draw. We are taking it as a final," Felix Sanchez, Qatar's Spanish coach, said at a news conference.

UAE coach Bert van Marwijk from the Netherlands admitted his side has a tough task ahead.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia scored in each half to beat Bahrain 2-0 on Saturday and secure their first victory at the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Striker Abdullah Al Hamdan put Saudi Arabia ahead after 29 minutes and defender Mohammed Al Khabrani doubled the lead with a 58th-minute header at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

Saudi Arabia, who lost their opening match 3-1 to Kuwait, now have three points in Group B along with Kuwait, who lost 2-1 to Oman for whom Abdulaziz Al Muqbali scored twice from the penalty spot.

Defending champions Oman top the group with four points and Bahrain are bottom on one point.

Saudi Arabia face Oman and Bahrain play Kuwait on Monday, with all four teams still in contention to reach the semifinals.

(Source: QNA, Photo credit: MOI Qatar)

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Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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