Saudi Arabia Defeats Trinidad and Tobago in Preparation for the Gulf Cup

The Saudi national team defeated  Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 in a friendly match held Tuesday evening at Al Shabab Club Stadium. The match was part of the “Green Falcons” preparation program for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, which will take place in Kuwait from December 21 to January 3.

Saleh Al-Shehri scored the first goal for the Saudi team from a penalty kick, before Abdullah Al-Hamdan extended the lead with a second goal. Nasser Al-Dawsari netted the third goal.

Saudi manager Hervé Renard opted to field two different line-ups evenly across both halves of the match. Meanwhile, star player Firas Al-Buraikan continued his individual training sessions with the medical staff. Abdullah Al-Khaibari also continued his rehabilitation program, while Hassan Al-Tambakti performed special exercises under the supervision of the medical team. Sultan Al-Ghannam missed the match due to a cold, and the medical staff decided to rest him.

On a related note, Saudi media reports confirmed that national team duo Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan will be included in the squad traveling to Kuwait for the Gulf Cup. The Al-Riyadiyah newspaper reported on Wednesday that both players will accompany the team despite their injuries, with their participation in matches depending on their medical progress and evaluation.

Al-Dawsari is suffering from minor facial fractures, while Al-Buraikan is dealing with an ankle injury. Neither player participated in the friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago.

The Saudi national team is placed in Group B of the Gulf tournament, alongside Bahrain, Yemen, and Iraq. The Green Falcons are aiming to reclaim their glory in the regional competition, having last won the title in 2003. Saudi Arabia previously lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2002, and the team now seeks to add a new title to their record.