Saudi Arabia expects as coach Mancini heads into his first major tournament in charge of the Green Falcons
The rescheduled 2023 Asian Cup kicks off this week in Qatar. Three-time champions Saudi Arabia begin their campaign on January 16 against Oman. Group F also contains Thailand and Kyrgyzstan.
Here we profile Roberto Mancini’s side as they look to end a wait of almost three decades without the trophy.
History
Not making their debut until the 1984 tournament in Singapore, Saudi Arabia announced their status as a major player on the continent by winning the title at the very first attempt. They successfully defended it four years later, then finished runner-up, winner, runner-up in the next three editions. In 10 appearances, Saudi Arabia have both a trio of wins and silver medals – although they last reached a final in 2007.
Best finish
Winner x 3: Saudi Arabia’s inaugural title was sealed when they defeated China 2-0 in the final at Singapore’s National Stadium thanks to goals from Shaye Al Nafisah and Majed Abdullah. Four years later, they needed penalties to get past South Korea in the showpiece in Doha – the match had finished 0-0 – while they prevailed via a shoot-out once more in 1996 to take the title against the UAE.
Saudi Arabia triumphed 4-2 on spot-kicks at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi after playing out a goalless draw with the hosts.
Last time out – 2019 Asian Cup
Heading into the UAE-hosted tournament off the back of a notable victory against Egypt at the 2018 World Cup, the Saudis won two out of three to progress from Group E in second place. Qatar, who defeated them 2-0, won the pool.
However, Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side were eliminated in the very next round, losing 1-0 to Japan in Sharjah.
Memorable moment Majed Abdullah’s solo effort:
Having got to the final in their debut appearance in 1984, Saudi Arabia’s second goal against China is considered one for the ages. With his team already 1-0 up, Abdullah picked up the ball just inside the opposition half, slipped past two defenders, feinted to deceive the goalkeeper and placed home – all on a pitch that resembled a quagmire. Saudi Arabia secured the trophy, and a period of Asian Cup prosperity began.
Manager
Roberto Mancini – Appointed in August after five years with his native Italy, the former Manchester City manager endured an indifferent start by losing his first four friendlies.
Yet twin wins to open 2026 World Cup qualifying steadied the ship, while Saudi Arabia also defeated Lebanon last week in an Asian Cup warm-up match. Mancini, of course, guided City to their first Premier League title, in 2012, and also won three Serie A crowns with Inter Milan before that. At international level, he famously masterminded Italy’s 2020 march to European Championship glory.
Star man
Salem Al Dawsari – The Al Hilal forward, 32, has long built a reputation as one of the standout performers on the continent, and goes into the tournament as the reigning Asian Player of the Year. Much of Saudi Arabia’s attacking prowess relies on the hugely talented wideman, who mixes skill with a regular eye for a spectacular goal.
Others to watch
Saud Abdulhamid – The Al Hilal full-back has developed into a star for both club and country, with his marauding runs along the right flank a potent weapon for his sides.
Mohammed Kanno – The Al Hilal midfielder is a dynamic presence at the heart of the team, with the ability to break up play and set the tempo. Can be a goal threat also.
Breakout star
Firas Al Buraikan – The striker starred in last season’s Saudi Pro League, firing a career-best 17 goals for the unheralded Al Fateh. That haul earned a big money move to Al Ahli in September, with Al Buraikan finding the net 11 times in 17 league matches this season. Not guaranteed to start for Mancini, but his winner in the January 4 friendly against Lebanon could see him push for a place in the first XI.
Talking point
Can Mancini deliver and end their wait for the trophy?
Performances at the 2022 World Cup, albeit under Herve Renard, have raised expectations the team can go all the way – and thus snap a 27-year wait. Mancini is still getting to know his team, while his decision to omit the likes of Salman Al Faraj, Yasser Al Shahrani and Abdulelah Al Amri surprised somewhat. The pressure to deliver a strong showing, and perhaps ultimately the title, is on.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Nawaf Al Aqidi, Raghed Najjar, and Ahmed Al
Kassar. Defenders: Hassan Kadish, Aoun Al Saluli, Ali AlBulaihi, Ali Lagami, Hassan AlTambakti, Saud Abdul Hamid, Fawaz Al Saqour, and Abdullah Al Khaybari. Midfielders: AbdulIlah Al Maliki, Mukhtar Ali, Faisal Al Ghamdi, Eid Al Mawlid, Salem Al Dawsari, Abbas Al Hassan, Nasser Al Dosari, Muhammad Kanno, and Sami Al Naji. Forwards: Fahd Al Mawlid, Ayman Yahya, Abdul Rahman Gharib, Firas Al Braikan, Abdullah Radif, Saleh Al Shehri.
2023 group fixtures
Jan 16 – Saudi Arabia v Oman; Jan 21 – Saudi Arabia v Kyrgyzstan; Jan 25 – Saudi Arabia v Thailand.