Players vying for the ball during Kuwait, Jordan game.

MUSCAT, March 20: The Kuwait Olympic team will take on Lebanon at 7:30 pm at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Stadium in its second match of the West Asian Under-23 Championship.

Kuwait fell to Jordan 2-0 in the tournament opener, with Bakr Kalbouneh netting both goals in the 45th and 53rd minutes, securing Jordan’s place in the semi-finals.

Kuwait started strong, creating multiple attacking opportunities. However, Jordan gradually gained control, utilizing its pace and tactical discipline to break through Kuwait's defense. Kalbouneh nearly opened the scoring early with a powerful strike, but goalkeeper Abdulrahman Ajaj made a brilliant save. Later, Kalbouneh and Jaafar Samara had close chances before Kalbouneh finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half.

Despite Kuwait’s continued offensive efforts in the second half, Kalbouneh struck again in the 53rd minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from Al-Azaizeh. Kuwait pushed forward in search of a comeback but struggled against Jordan’s solid defensive setup and missed key chances.

Now, Kuwait shifts focus to Lebanon, aiming for a crucial victory to keep its hopes alive in the tournament.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff