Doha: The second edition of the U-17 Gulf Cup will get underway today, with Qatar hosting 10 teams across 23 matches until November 4 in the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
The tournament is organised by Qatar’s Local Organising Committee in coordination with the Gulf Football Federation.
The official draw, held in September, placed participating teams into two groups of five. Hosts Qatar were drawn in Group A alongside the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and China, while defending champions Saudi Arabia were drawn in Group B alongside Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait and Egypt. China and Egypt will participate as guest teams, offering the Gulf side valuable experience against teams from outside the region.
The opening match will see Qatar face debutants China at Grand Hamad Stadium today, with kick-off at 17:45 Doha time. The UAE will face Bahrain in the second Group A fixture of the day at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, with kick-off at 20:00.
Defending champions Saudi Arabia will begin campaign tomorrow against Egypt at Grand Hamad Stadium, with kick-off at 17:45, while Iraq will face Yemen at Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, with kick-off at 20:00.
The tournament will conclude on November 4 with the Final at Grand Hamad Stadium, with kick-off at 17:45.
In accordance with the competition regulations, matches in the Semi-Finals and the Final that are level at the end of normal time will proceed directly to a penalty shoot-out.
