Juan Pizzi speaks to reporters on the eve of the match between Kuwait and UAE.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 23: Kuwait is set to face the UAE in a crucial match tonight at 8:30 pm at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in the second round of Group A competitions in the "Khaleeji Zain 26".

Both teams are seeking their first win, with Kuwait tying 1-1 in its opening match against Oman, while the UAE also drew 1-1 with Qatar.

Argentine coach Juan Antonio Pizzi is determined to secure his first victory with Kuwait since taking charge in July. Pizzi's tenure so far includes six matches in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup (four draws and two losses), as well as friendly matches last month against Yemen (1-1 draw) and Lebanon (0-1 and 1-2 losses). His latest match, the Gulf Cup opener against Oman, ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Pizzi has emphasized the need for his players to maintain focus and avoid the mistakes seen in the Oman game. He aims to improve midfield organization, diversify attacking strategies, and strengthen play through the center rather than relying solely on flanks and crosses.

The Blues will be without defender Hassan Hamdan, who sustained a severe ankle sprain against Oman. Medical assessments revealed ligament tears and joint bleeding, sidelining him for 2-3 weeks. Midfielder Reda Hani’s availability remains uncertain after suffering a shoulder dislocation in the same match.

Fahad Al Hajri is expected to replace Hamdan in the starting lineup, with Sami Al Sanea on the right. Other key players likely to feature include Ahmed Al Dhafiri, Sultan Al Enezi, Eid Al Rashidi, Yousef Nasser, Khaled Ibrahim, Mashari Ghannam, Mohammed Daham, and Yousef Majed.

The UAE, also seeking its first win, aims to build on its strong second-half performance against Qatar, where it dominated play but was unable to convert chances into a decisive goal. Both teams are keen to secure vital points and improve their standings in Group A.

Kuwait's coach, Juan Pizzi, emphasized that the match against the UAE is important, but not decisive for qualification to the semi-finals, with the outcome resting on the third round. Speaking at a press conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pizzi said: “Every match is a new chance to secure the best possible result, and we always aim for victory. I have complete confidence in the players to give their best and secure the three points, bringing us closer to qualifying for the next stage.”

Pizzi also expressed optimism about Kuwait’s chances against the UAE, stating, “Our primary goal is to win. Each match has its tactical approach, and we rely on the tremendous support from our fans, which was invaluable in our opening match.”

Kuwait national team player Moaz Al-Aseema shared his thoughts, acknowledging the high expectations placed on the team in every Gulf tournament. “Kuwaiti football has a rich and honorable history, with past stars winning the title ten times,” Al-Aseema noted. “Although Kuwaiti football is not at its best right now, this is part of the sport. Every team goes through ups and downs, but as current players, we must work hard and aim for the best. We will do everything we can to meet the expectations of our loyal fans, especially in this challenging match against the UAE.”

UAE coach Paulo Bento emphasized that he does not focus on predictions favoring his team for the "Khaleeji Zain 26" title. Speaking at a press conference at the tournament's main media center at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, he said, "I can't control expectations, which is common in all tournaments. My primary mission is to concentrate on my team, enhance their technical and physical readiness, and prepare them mentally in the best way possible before each match."

Bento acknowledged that the upcoming match against the host Kuwait team will be challenging, but he remains determined to lead his team to victory in their second match of the tournament. He added that the tight schedule, with matches every three days, puts significant pressure on the players. "This is something I cannot change, and while it's abnormal, the short recovery time isn’t ideal for the players," he explained. "There’s limited time to correct mistakes or address any issues that arise in each match. At this stage, the key is to focus on enhancing the players' mental readiness and approach each match individually."

Bento also noted that the Gulf Championships attract considerable attention and media coverage, saying, “Everyone is eager to perform at their best, and for me, the championship is a significant challenge. I hope to achieve the best possible result with the team.”