Qatar's charge at the Gulf Cup will be headed by feared striker Hassan Al Haydos who was named as the chief forward in the 23-man squad announced by interim coach Felix Sanchez.

Al Haydos, who plays for Al Sadd, has been the pillar of the national team in recent times and finds his name before veteran forwards Rorigo Tabata and Sebastian Soria. Tabata and Soria have not been considered recently.

Al Haydos, 27, is likely to be joined by Mohammed Muntari in the attack at the Dec 22-Jan 5 event to be held at two venues in Kuwait.

Experienced midfielders Asim Madibo and Musab Kheder are also part of the squad. Al Duhail central defender Karim Boudiaf is expected to hold fort at the centre.

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez

Saad Al Sheeb will be the first-choice goalkeeper for Sanchez.

Qatar, the defending champions of the Gulf Cup, are placed in Group B with Yemen, Iraq and Bahrain. Qatar open their campaign against Yemen on December 23 followed by games against Iraq (Dec 26) and Bahrain (Dec 29).

Qatar beat hosts Saudi Arabia in the 2014 final of the Gulf Cup. It was the third title win for Qatar who had won the title in 1992 and 2004 also.

The 23rd edition of the Gulf Cup - the region's most popular football tournament for national sides - has attracted eight teams including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and hosts Kuwait who form Group A.

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