Kuwait resumes training as Afghans arrive for decisive qualifier

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KUWAIT CITY, June 8: Kuwait resumed training at the sub-field of Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium after returning on Friday from its goalless draw against India in Kolkata at Salt Lake Stadium last Thursday in the fifth round of Group A in the joint Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, and the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Azraq is preparing to host the Afghanistan Tuesday, at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, in the sixth and final round of the group qualifiers. Kuwait needs to win while hoping for India to draw or lose to Qatar on the same day.

Kuwait currently ranks fourth with 4 points, behind India and Afghanistan (5 points each), and group leader Qatar (13 points), who has already secured the first qualifying spot.
Kuwait put on a convincing performance against India and was close to winning, but haste and bad luck plagued the attackers. The team also missed the efforts of center-back Khaled Ibrahim in the last minutes due to injury, who is scheduled to undergo medical examinations to ensure his readiness to participate against Afghanistan.

The Afghans arrived yesterday and will train at the sub-field of Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium.
Portuguese coach Rui Pinto expressed satisfaction with Kuwait’s performance against India, emphasizing that the team was the better side, which gives reason for optimism.
On the other hand, India coach Igor Stimac stated that the draw was a logical result, despite his disappointment. “The match was difficult,” he said. “The draw was a realistic result. The Kuwaiti team started with more confidence, and it took us some time to create danger in front of the goal. However, our passing speed was effective in penetrating their defense.”

Stimac concluded, “We don’t have time to feel sorry because our chance still exists. I need to make the players believe in their ability to face the Asian Cup champions in the next five days.”
Afghanistan’s English coach, Ashley Westwood, commented on the scoreless draw with Qatar last Thursday, saying, “Getting a point against the Asian Cup champions is always difficult.”
He added, “The players are excited, and we believe that we have a chance to make history for Afghan football by qualifying.”

By Khaled El Anzi
Al-Seyassah/ArabTimes Staff

This news has been read 693 times!