ABU DHABI: Unbeaten UAE take on holders Kuwait in the first semi-final of the 21st Gulf Cup at the National Stadium, Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday.

In the second semi-final, Iraq face hosts Bahrain at the same venue later in the evening.

The UAE team led by coach Mahdi Ali, produced a brilliant performance in the group stages with victories against Qatar (3-1), Oman (2-0) and hosts Bahrain (2-1) and topped their group.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ali said that his team will be going all out for the win.

“Whatever we need to do in this match to come out on top, we will do.”

Ali admitted that Kuwait are well organized and play with team-work.

Ali added that Kuwait always find a way to get the best out of their side in the Gulf Cup.

“I think that regardless of their level in other competitions such as in qualification for the World Cup or Asian Cup, when it comes to the Gulf Cup, Kuwait are completely different,” Ali said.

 Kuwait qualified from Group B as the runners-up after defeating Saudi Arabia in the final group game.

Kuwait’s coach Goran Tufegdzic says that there are no favourites to advance.

“We don’t have a favourite in the match tomorrow,” Tufegdzic said.

“Both teams have a chance to qualify.”

Tufegdzic believes both Kuwait and the UAE have the same odds of making it through to the title match, even if he thinks that the Emiratis have a slight advantage having had one day more to rest after the group stages.

“The UAE are in better condition because they have had one day more to rest, and in their last match they did not have to play their full team against Oman.