Hosts Qatar will play against Yemen in the opening match of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament, according to the results of the draw held here on Wednesday.

Five teams -Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq and Yemen- will be participating in the tournament organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).

The draw was held in the presence of representatives of participating teams. The tournament will be held from November 24 to December 6. Earlier it was scheduled to kick off on November 27.

Before for the draw, the event saw the unveiling of the official logo of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup.

All matches of the tournament will take place at Khalifa International Stadium, which recently hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships. The opening match will be between Qatar and Yemen, while the final encounter will be between the Qatari team (the Asian champions) and Kuwait, especially as this edition will be held in a league system of one group.

On the first day, Qatar will play against Yemen, and the Omani team will play against the Iraqi team. The Kuwaiti Football Association had asked the organising committee for the tournament to place Kuwait's opening match on the second day of the tournament.

On the second day, Kuwait will play against Yemen, while Qatar will face Oman. On the third day, Iraq will play Kuwait, and Yemen will face Oman. On the fourth day, Oman will meet Kuwait and Qatar will face Iraq. On the fifth day, Iraq will play against Yemen, while Kuwait will face Qatar.

Saud al-Mohannadi, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup and Vice-President of the Qatar Football Association, said that Qatar's hosting of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup is an opportunity to test its capabilities and expertise in organising sporting events as it prepares for the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup in December and the 2022 World Cup.

Al-Mohannadi added that preparations are underway at Khalifa International Stadium to welcome thousands of football fans from Qatar and the region, following the stadium's recent success in hosting the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships.


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