BASRA, Jan 10: Kuwait edged past a stubborn UAE side 1-0 in Gulf Cup group stage encounter on Tuesday, courtesy of Ahmad Al-Dhefeeri free kick in 93rd minute of stoppage time to keep their hopes of advancing to semifinals alive. The result leaves Kuwait in third place of Group B with 3 points, while the UAE are rock bottom with no points. Kuwait were the better side but were denied on numerous occasions by excellent goalkeeping and solid defending.

On the eve of the match coach Rui Bento said he was building a team for the future and main target in mind is to gain experience, but what the players have shown against UAE indicated that they are on the right path. Kuwait lost the first round of the tournament against Qatar.

Meanwhile, Bahrain beat Qatar 1-0 to qualify for semifinals. Earlier Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 to go top of Group A with 4 points on goal difference. Oman have the same points, while Saudi Arabia remained on three points in third place, and eliminated Yemen bottom without points. The match witnessed heavy rain that affected the course of the game, but did not prevent Iraq from scoring two goals through Ibrahim Baish in the 30th minute and Aso Rustam in the 86th minute. (KUNA)