It took seven matches for the 22nd Gulf Cup to finally get going in Saudi Arabia. When it did, it was in explosive fashion.
It will surprise no one that Omar Abdulrahman was the man to breathe life into a tournament that was in danger of flat-lining.
The 2-2 draw between the UAE and Kuwait, especially the first half, was out of place from what has gone on before.
The previous six matches had delivered six goals, four draws (three of them goalless) and mostly turgid football for the pitifully low crowds that have bothered to turn out.
Up stepped the man they call “Amoory” to save the day.
In the UAE’s first match he had been somewhat subdued, too often hounded by two or three players and dropping too deep to cause havoc in the Omani defence.
Against Kuwait, he was unleashed, dominating from the start. He set up the first chance for Ali Mabkhout, whose shot was blocked, as the Emiratis swarmed all over Kuwait.
It was matter of time before the breakthrough came – and it came from Abdulrahman.
Many had called for the UAE coach Mahdi Ali to relieve the playmaker of his defensive duties after the Oman match.
So it was in a way ironic that he started the move for the goal from just outside his own penalty area – a devastating run and slick pass to Mabkhout, who chipped calmly.
The second was even better.
Abdulrahman twice involved in a move that saw Mabkhout score with a brilliant curled shot.
Kuwait responded in their own devastating fashion to level the match in two minutes, Badr Al Mutawa scoring a goal every bit as good as both of the UAE’s strikes.
The Kuwaiti striker was one of the best players on the pitch, but not quite the best.
Though no more goals were scored, few could complain about the entertainment.
Except Mahdi Ali of course. His team has now dropped four points.
He will need his bushy-haired magician to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the last match against Iraq on Thursday.
akhaled@thenational.ae
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