Green Confidence, Question Marks: Can Saudi Arabia Clinch Arab Cup 2025?

Saudi confidence ahead of the Jordan test

Hussein Abdul Ghani, the former Al-Ahli Jeddah star, affirmed the Saudi national team's ability to win the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar, through its name and history, though he remains cautious about its technical performance.

The Green advanced to the Arab Cup semi-finals, where they will face Jordan on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium, with the winner between Morocco and the UAE awaiting in the final if they reach it.

In televised remarks, Abdul Ghani said: "The Jordan match will be tough, but we all agree on the Saudi game's great value, both Arab and Asian, even if the national team isn't at its best".

Ghani's candid assessment of the team's status

He added: "None of us are convinced technically about the Saudi team, but it has the name and the value, and this thing has a price, not from nowhere but from strong achievements and hard work".

He concluded: "The Saudi team suffers technically a lot, and we are all convinced of this; it's clear, but it can win the tournament through its name, and we all agree on that too".

Renard under scrutiny and the Palestine match

French Hervé Renard, the Saudi coach, has faced broad criticism recently, especially after the 2-1 win over Palestine on Thursday, in the Arab Cup quarterfinal.

The Green sealed their match with the Fida'i in extra time, five minutes from the end, after failing to score in normal time except for a penalty by Firas Al-Breikan.

Punchline: Even the trophy buys a bigger suitcase.

Punchline: If the Saudis win, the celebrations will need a permit.