The UAE opened their Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Yemen in Jeddah, giving new coach Zlatko Dalic a clear first competitive result.

Nicolas Gimenez scored twice and Luan Pereira (Luanzinho) added another as the Whites controlled Group B at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday, 24 September. Yemen defender Nader Sahal turned a Marcos Meloni cross into his own net for the other goal. The National, Khaleej Times and Gulf News all reported the 4-0 scoreline from Jeddah.

How the goals arrived

The UAE needed time to settle. Yemen, ranked far lower but loud in the stands, pressed early. In the 25th minute Cesar and Bruno de Oliveira combined on the edge of the box, Bruno found Gimenez, and the Al Wasl midfielder cut inside before beating the goalkeeper off the crossbar.

Ten minutes later Meloni's cross was diverted in by Sahal. Luan Pereira made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time. After the break Meloni crossed again and Gimenez headed the fourth around the 51st minute, The National's match report said.

Dalic then rotated heavily to keep legs fresh for tougher group games.

Why the night mattered

It was the UAE's first competitive fixture since the Arab Cup bronze match against Saudi Arabia was abandoned in Doha late last year. Cosmin Olaroiu later left; Dalic arrived after finishing Croatia's World Cup campaign. Yuri Cesar and Mamadou Coulibaly were among the debutants. Only five players who started that abandoned December game began against Yemen.

The UAE chase a third Gulf Cup title after wins in 2007 and 2013. Next up is defending champions Bahrain on 27 September, then Qatar on 30 September. Semifinals are set for 3 October and the final for 6 October. Group A includes hosts Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait. The top two in each group advance.

For fans at home, the practical story is simple: a new coach, a refreshed squad, and a result that clears early group pressure before Bahrain.

Back to Sports