Ranzi Sports

Saudi Arabia’s U23 squad claimed the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup title with a composed 2-0 victory over Iraq on December 16, 2025, at Doha’s Stadium 974.

Goals from Abdullah Radif and Thamer Al-Khaibari underscored their tactical superiority in a match that showcased disciplined defending and sharp counter-attacks.

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Pre-Match Build-Up and Lineups

Saudi Arabia entered as favorites after a flawless run, topping Group A with a 5-0 rout of Bahrain and a 2-0 semi-final win over UAE. Coach Luigi Di Biagio deployed a 4-3-3 with Hamed Yousef in goal, a backline anchored by Saud Abdulhamid, and Radif leading the attack. Iraq, resilient Group B winners, relied on a 4-2-3-1 following their penalty shootout semi-final thriller against Qatar, featuring Amouri Faisal up top.

First Half: Saudi Control and Opening Goal

The opening 45 minutes saw Saudi Arabia dictate tempo, enjoying 58% possession and pinning Iraq back with midfield dominance from Thamer Al-Khaibari and Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa. Radif broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, latching onto a precise through-ball from Al-Aliwa, evading two defenders, and slotting past Iraq’s keeper with a cool finish—his third goal of the tournament. Iraq managed one shot on target but lacked penetration, as Saudi’s high press disrupted their build-up.

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Second Half: Iraq Push Meets Saudi Resolve

Iraq pushed forward post-interval, introducing substitutes like Rashid Al-Abdullah to chase parity, registering four shots but facing Yousef’s superb saves, including a diving stop on Faisal’s header in the 62nd. Saudi absorbed pressure seamlessly, transitioning swiftly; Al-Khaibari sealed it in the 89th with a curling strike from 20 yards after a turnover, exploiting Iraq’s advanced line. Possession evened at 52-48%, but Saudi’s xG of 1.8 dwarfed Iraq’s 0.7, per match stats.

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Tactical Insights and Key Moments

Di Biagio’s compact shape neutralized Iraq’s flanks, limiting crosses to just seven while forcing 14 turnovers. Critical interventions included Abdulhamid’s goal-line clearance in the 75th and Al-Khaibari’s double contribution, blending box-to-box energy with finishing prowess. Iraq’s coach Jesús Casas lamented wasteful finishing, as their semi-final penalty heroics couldn’t translate here.

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Broader Tournament Impact

Held across Aspire Zone venues, the tournament highlighted Gulf youth talent ahead of Asian U23 qualifiers.

Saudi’s clean sheets in knockouts affirm defensive evolution, while Iraq’s silver medal builds momentum despite the final capitulation. This result cements Saudi Arabia’s regional supremacy