Greece-born manager Georgios Donis has named Al-Hilal defender Mohammed Mahzari in Saudi Arabia’s starting XI for the Gulf Cup 27 semi-final against Qatar, handing him his first official appearance for the national team.
Saudi Arabia face Qatar at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday, with Donis making several changes to the side that played in the group stage.
Mahzari did not feature in any of Saudi Arabia’s three group matches, but has been selected at right-back after impressing for Al-Hilal since joining the club from Al-Taawoun during the summer transfer window.
His inclusion comes at the expense of Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, who had started every game for Saudi Arabia in the group stage. Donis also chose not to use Nawaf Boushal, who has occasionally operated at right-back.
Hassan Tambakti will begin on the substitutes’ bench, with Abdulelah Al-Amri and Jihad Zekri paired in central defence. Moteb Al-Harbi completes the back four at left-back.
Feras Al-Buraikan leads the attack instead of Abdullah Al-Hamdan. He will be supported by Sultan Mandash, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat and Hammam Al-Hamami.
Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals after taking maximum points from Group A. Qatar finished second in Group B with seven points, behind group winners United Arab Emirates on goal difference.
The winner of Saturday’s semi-final will meet the victor of the other last-four tie between United Arab Emirates and Oman in the Gulf Cup 27 final next Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia’s starting line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais
Defenders: Mohammed Mahzari, Jihad Zekri, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Moteb Al-Harbi
Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat
Forwards: Sultan Mandash, Feras Al-Buraikan, Hammam Al-Hamami
