A Kuwaiti dribbles past an opponent during the Gulf Cup for Veterans match between Kuwait and UAE.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: The Gulf Cup for Veterans, hosted by Kuwait, has reached its critical stages with the semi-final matches set for today. The champion of Group One will face the runner-up of Group Two at 4:45 PM, while the champion of Group Two will compete against the runner-up of Group One at 6:30 PM at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium. The tournament will conclude tomorrow, Wednesday, with the final match scheduled for 7:00 PM at the same venue.

The second round of the tournament continued with a series of draws. On Sunday, Qatar played to a 1-1 draw against Oman, while Kuwait and the UAE finished 0-0 in Group One. In Group Two, Iraq and Bahrain ended their match goalless, while Saudi Arabia secured a 1-0 victory over Yemen.

Bahraini goalkeeping legend Hamoud Sultan praised the Gulf Cup for Veterans, stating that its success was ensured by being hosted in Kuwait. He expressed his gratitude to the Kuwait Football Association and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef for the invitation to attend, despite not being part of Bahrain’s squad.

Sultan highlighted how the tournament rekindled fond memories for Gulf football stars who had been away from the spotlight for years. He commended Kuwait for its excellent hosting of the inaugural edition and expressed hope that future tournaments could be held alongside the official "Gulf 27" competition, ensuring greater fan engagement and media coverage.

He also emphasized that the tournament prioritizes camaraderie over competition, with its true essence being a celebration of Gulf football heritage under the banner "Made in Kuwait." Sultan further noted that the event serves as a motivation for retired players to maintain their fitness and remain involved in the sport, lamenting the decline in physical activity among some former Gulf stars.

Former UAE national team star Nasser Khamis, who won the Best Player Award in the 1990 Gulf Cup in Kuwait, expressed his delight at participating in the event. He was thrilled to reunite with Gulf football icons from the 1980s and noted that the close competition in the group stage demonstrated that any team could claim the title. However, he stressed that the true significance of the tournament lies in the reunion of Gulf football legends.

Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mabrouk Zayed observed that the level of play has been steadily improving. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s slow start was due to a short preparation period, but the team's performance against Yemen showed noticeable progress despite some mistakes.

Zayed expressed gratitude to Kuwait for organizing the event, describing it as a symbolic recognition of the players' careers. He cherished the opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues in a friendly atmosphere reminiscent of the sport’s golden days.

Yemeni football veteran Ali Al-Nono acknowledged the challenges of maintaining peak performance due to age, fitness, and limited preparation. However, he emphasized that the tournament's primary goal is to revive cherished memories and reunite Gulf football stars. He extended his gratitude to Kuwait for launching an initiative he hopes will continue in future editions.

Veteran Kuwaiti goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Khalidi received widespread praise from critics and fans for his standout performances in the tournament’s preliminary rounds. Al-Khalidi credited his strong form to rigorous training and dedication to maintaining his physical and mental sharpness.

He expressed excitement about reliving his international career moments, particularly after playing in Kuwait’s opening match against Oman. His performances have solidified his status as a key figure in the tournament.

Kuwaiti footballer Walid Ali underscored the importance of such tournaments in keeping retired players engaged with the sport. He highlighted how the event encourages former players to maintain their health and fitness, which aligns with the core values of sportsmanship.

Ali, known for scoring the decisive goal in Kuwait’s Gulf 20 triumph over Saudi Arabia, praised the exceptional performances of goalkeepers, particularly his compatriot Nawaf Al-Khalidi. He affirmed that Al-Khalidi had become one of the standout figures in the competition.

The Veterans Committee held a meeting on Sunday at the Gulf Union delegation headquarters, led by Hassan Al-Suwaidi, and all committee members attended. Discussions focused on the tournament's organization and the support required to ensure its success.

During the meeting, Mohsen Musbah was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Committee, signaling a commitment to strengthening the tournament’s structure and securing its future presence. The committee praised the positive reception of the event and underscored the importance of integrating it into the official Gulf Cup schedule. This move aims to foster continued engagement with former players and celebrate Gulf football heritage.