Qatar coach Oscar Fernandez (right) addressing media persons on the eve of the GCC Under-17 football tournament in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Anas al-Samaraee

By Yash Mudgal/Doha

The 2013 GCC Under-17 Cup kicks off today with hosts Qatar taking on Kuwait in the opening match at Aspire Dome.

Qatar are aiming for their maiden title in the 10-day championship and will face stiff challenge from the Saudis who are hoping to win the tournament for a record-extending fifth time.

Saudi Arabia will also start their campaign today, against United Arab Emirates.

“It’s a good tournament for the young Qatar team. The first match of the tournament is always very important, especially when you are playing at home. My players are in good spirits and I hope we can do well against Kuwait tomorrow,” Qatar’s Spanish coach Oscar Fernandez said.

“We have played three practice games against Italy Under-17 team and some European clubs during the last month. Last week also we have played some matches against Iran in Doha and that was a good experience for the young players,” said the Spaniard, who took the team’s charge in June.

Kuwait coach Ibrahim Obaid said: “We are ready for the opening match against Qatar as the players are in a good physical and mental condition and raring to go in the tournament.”

“Saudi and UAE are the two tough teams in the tournament. Our aim in this phase is to find the ideal line-up and the best strategy of play to achieve our goal in the tournament,” he added.

The Under-17 Gulf Cup, which was first held in 2001, is an annual football competition organised by the Arab football ruling body. Regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia won the title in 2012, 2011, 2008 and 2003 while UAE emerged champions in 2010, 2009, and 2006. The other participating countries are Bahrain and Oman.

According to UAE coach Badr Saleh, his squad is well-tuned for the championship which they have won three times. “We have prepared well. Our players understand the importance of their participation after having finished runners up to Iraq in the West Asian Championship on goals difference in Ramallah. The players are disciplined and committed to their cause. They are training well and their spirit is high and hopefully they will live up to the challenge.”

All the players are in good health and no injuries have been reported so far and we have great hope to excel in the championship,” he said.

Saudi coach Antonio Vilches said: “All the teams in the tournament are looking good. We are well prepared for the tournament and hoping for a good show here.”

Two matches will be played on September 3, 5 and 7 with the first kick-off set for 4:00pm. The second match on the first three days will kick-off at 6:45pm. The match on September 9 will start at 5:00pm. The top two finishers in each group advance to the semi-finals which will be played on September 10 and the bottom two sides will play for minor places. The final will be played on September 12 at 7:00pm.

Director of Marketing and Communications of Qatar Football Association (QFA) Khalid al-Kuwari said: “We are pleased to host the GCCU-17 Cup once again and are hoping to witness interesting matches in this tournament. All our marketing and media efforts have been focused towards this important tournament so that we can promote football to our fans in Qatar.”

“We hope football fans in Qatar attend the matches at Aspire Dome to support their teams,” he added.