Yemen youth team finishes as Gulf Cup runner-up after loss to Saudi Arabia

ABHA, Sept. 10 (YPA) – The Yemeni national youth football team lost 3-1 to its Saudi counterpart in the final of the first-ever Gulf Youth Cup, held at Abha City Stadium. With the defeat, Yemen secured the runner-up title.

The match began with clear Saudi dominance, as player Abdulaziz Al-Shammari scored two early goals in the sixth and eleventh minutes, giving the Green Falcons a quick two-goal lead. Despite attempts by the Yemeni team to close the gap, player Mokhtar Mowaffaq successfully scored for Yemen in the 37th minute, ending the first half with a score of 2-1.

In the second half, Yemeni players continued their pressure in an attempt to equalize, but their attacks yielded no goals. The Saudi team capitalized on Yemen’s advancing players, with player Fares Bin Salem scoring the third goal in the 60th minute, securing the championship title for Saudi Arabia.

Despite the loss, the Yemeni youth team achieved a significant accomplishment by reaching the final and securing the runner-up position, having delivered an outstanding performance and overcome strong teams on their way to the final match.

YPA