Asian football powerhouse Saudi Arabia, coached by Frenchman Herve Renard, will be aiming for a win against Bahrain when the two regional sides play their opening match at Arabian Gulf Cup 26.Renard, who guided Saudi Arabia to a famous win over Lionel Messi-led Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, on Saturday said his team is eager to win the eight-team tournament that began on Saturday.Saudi Arabia are in Group B with Bahrain, Yemen and defending champions Iraq.“We are here to participate effectively and win,” Renard said at a press conference on Saturday.“This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions.”“I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players’ capabilities,” he added. “We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period,” Renard said. “(Defender) Hassan Tambakti is fully fit for the Arabian Gulf Cup matches,” Renard said. However, star player Salem al-Dawsari is still recovering, the coach added.Renard said striker Firas al-Brikan’s participation remains uncertain due to injury.Renard acknowledged the challenges ahead. He emphasized the importance of a strong start against Bahrain today to set the tone for the tournament.Bahrain’s coach Dragan Talajic, during the pre-match press conference, said: “This tournament is entirely different from the World Cup qualifiers. It’s a combined competition, and we need to approach every match to win.”He confirmed the absence of player Ali Haram due to injury but expressed hope for his quick return. “This is a new challenge, and we aim to showcase beautiful football and make a strong opening statement,” Talajic said.Bahrain’s star player Mohammed Marhoon emphasized the Gulf Cup’s significance as a prestigious combined tournament.“We aim to represent Bahrain with distinction,” he said, extending gratitude to the Kuwait fans for their support.“I hope to be an exemplary ambassador for Bahraini football here in Kuwait,” he said.