KUWAIT CITY, Sept 22: KUWAIT CITY, Sept 22: Kuwait kicked off its campaign in the Group C qualifiers for the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup with an impressive 6-0 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands at Abdullah Alkhalifa Alsabah Stadium.

The host wasted no time, taking the lead just one minute into the game with a goal from Eid Al-Ruqbah, Turki Al-Yousef doubled its advantage shortly after. The team continued to dominate, with Yosef Al-Shammari scoring a brace in the 10th and 17th minutes, giving Kuwait a commanding lead at halftime. Al-Yousef showcased his talent by adding another goal in the 49th minute, before completing his hat trick just four minutes later, effectively putting an end to any hopes of a comeback for the visitor. The UAE team secured a 3-2 win against Lebanon in another match.

The Kuwaiti youth football team faces a tough challenge against South Korea at 8:30 pm at Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Al Yarmouk Club, in the second round of Group C. Before the Kuwait-South Korea match, the United Arab Emirates will face the Northern Mariana Islands at 5:30 pm at the same venue. The Lebanese team will be absent from this round of games.

Kuwait’s technical staff, led by Croatian coach Dario Pasic and his assistant Mohammed Al-Fulaijawi, are aware of the daunting task. South Korea brings considerable experience at the continental level. However, Pasic believes that if the Blue players execute their game plan and follow the coaching instructions, they can achieve a positive result and remain strong contenders for a spot in the finals.

Meanwhile, the UAE team will aim for their second win in the group, with a good opportunity to collect another three points against a modest Northern Mariana Islands side. The UAE displayed resilience in their first-round victory over Lebanon, playing most of the match with ten men after an early red card.

A total of 45 teams are competing in the Asian Cup qualifiers, divided into 10 groups. Five groups have four teams, while the other five have five. The group winners and the five best second-placed teams will qualify for the finals in China in 2025.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies