Arabian Gulf Cup 2019: Group B Preview

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Updated: November 28, 2019
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Having given our attention to Group A as we analysed through the teams, its time now to shift our focus on Group B. The teams participating in group B are Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Here’s how all the teams shape up for the competition.

Oman

Arabian Gulf Cup — Photo Source: (https://www.beinsports.com/en/)

The defending champions of the Gulf Cup have won it twice and the latest being their 2017 title. Erwin Koeman, the current coach replaced Pim Verbeek as manager of Oman in February 2019. Under him, the team has had a good season losing just one game and winning his last seven. Koeman has worked hard behind forming a formidable backline for his team and has conceded only five goals during his tenure so far.

Ahmed Kano, who was a member of Oman’s previous Gulf Cup win in 2017 is the key to their success again. Aging 34, he is a gutsy midfielder who isn’t afraid of challenges and getting into the opposition half of the opponent. Oman will bank on his experience to help the team retain the cup.

Also Read: Arabian Gulf Cup 2019: Group A Preview

Saudi Arabia

Three-time winners of the Gulf Cup (1994, 2002, 2004), Saudi Arabia will be one of the contenders to win the tournament this season. Under coach Hervé Renard who has enjoyed success coaching African nations in the past, the team is trying to write its own piece of history. Renard is a two time Africa Cup of Nations winner and would like to transform the national football history in his tenure. The Gulf Cup is a nice way to start a new chapter in Saudi Arabian Football.

Salem Al Dawsari will be the man to watch out for Saudi Arabia in the competition. He impressed one and all with his performance in the 2018 World Cup.

Kuwait

The 10-time winner of the Gulf Cup comes into the tournament with a reputation of being the most successful team in the tournament. However, they last won the Gulf Cup in 2010 and since then they are looking for their 11th title. So far for coach Thamer Enad who was a former player as well, the start has been good. The team has notched up two wins and two draws under him including a 9-0 demolition of Chinese Taipei. The undisputed kings of the tournament, Kuwait will continue to carry forward the legacy that they have created over all these years.

Bader Al-Mutawa, one of their oldest members of the team at 34 is their biggest hope in the tournament. He was a part of the squad when Kuwait won the Gulf Cup in 2010. He would like be a part of another squad winning the title with him making a statement in the competition.

Also Read: Arabian Gulf Cup 2019 Schedule, Teams, Time Table and Previous Winners

Bahrain

Photo Source: (https://www.beinsports.com/en/)

For Baharain, the journey on this tournament has been a story of so near yet so far. They finished as the runners-up of the tournament 4-times. Following the signing of Hélio Sousa who earlier guided Portugal U-17 and U-19 teams to European Championships, Baharain won the 2019 WAFF Championship in Iraq, along with a strong start to qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Kamil Al Aswad will be the main man for Baharain in the tournament. He played a key role in Baharain’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup netting the winner against Cambodia. He is in good form and would like to make it count helping Baharain to their maiden Gulf Cup title.