Mohammed Al Owais was carried on his Saudi Arabia team-mates’ shoulders after his penalty-shootout display sent the hosts through to the final of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, Gulf 27.
Saudi Arabia defeated Qatar 3-2 on penalties after the semi-final at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah finished goalless after 120 minutes on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
Al Owais, the Al Hilal goalkeeper, made two decisive saves in the shootout, denying Jassem Gaber and Boualem Khoukhi as Saudi Arabia secured victory.
Khoukhi’s penalty was particularly notable. Al Owais initially stopped the attempt, but the kick had to be retaken after the goalkeeper was judged to have moved off his line. He produced another save when the penalty was taken again, ensuring Qatar could not recover.
The result put Saudi Arabia into the competition’s final and earned Al Owais the Diyar Al Arabia Player of the Match award, as confirmed by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation.
His performance also prompted a celebratory response from his team-mates, who lifted him above their shoulders at the final whistle. Al Owais was widely recognised as the main reason for Saudi Arabia’s progress after his penalty-saving heroics.
The goalkeeper has continued the form he showed at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. His strongest display at that tournament came in Saudi Arabia’s opening group-stage match against Uruguay, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Saudi Arabia will play the winner of the other semi-final between Oman and the United Arab Emirates in Tuesday’s Gulf 27 final. The match will also be held at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.
