Kuwaiti players celebrate their victory over Lebanon.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 26: The Kuwait U-20 team rekindled its hopes of securing one of the two qualification spots for the Asian Cup finals in China next year by defeating Lebanon 3-0 in the third round of Group 3 matches. The Blues showcased their prowess with goals from Bandar Al-Barazi in the third minute and a brace from Youssef Majed, who scored in the 72nd and 80th minutes.

From the outset, Kuwait dominated the match, launching multiple attacks on the Lebanese goal and translating its control into three goals, which earned them 6 points from three matches, Currently, the team is tied with the UAE and South Korea, with the UAE leading the group on goal difference, while Lebanon and the Northern Mariana Islands remain without points.

Kuwait is set to face the UAE in its final match on Sunday, and a win is essential for it to remain in contention for qualification. In another match, South Korea delivered a resounding 10-0 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands. Today marks the fourth round of matches, with the UAE going up against South Korea and Lebanon facing the Northern Mariana Islands. The qualifying system dictates that the group winner advances directly to the finals, along with the best five second-placed teams from the ten groups.

Team manager Jarrah Al-Atiqi emphasized the importance of fan support in the decisive match against the UAE, hoping that the Blues will receive strong backing. He noted that the early goal against Lebanon was pivotal in establishing its dominance and securing the three points, describing the upcoming match against the UAE as a "final."

Player Bandar Al-Barazi echoed this sentiment, stating that while the match against the UAE will be decisive, it will be approached like any other game, with the team aiming for a positive outcome.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff