Players celebrate after their vital win over UAE in Khaleeji Zain 26 in Kuwait.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 25: In a dramatic night of Khaleeji Zain 26 action, Kuwait came from a goal down to beat 10-man UAE, 2-1, and Oman stunned Qatar to place Group A on a knife-edge going into Friday’s third and final group games.

At the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, UAE silenced the 48,621 crowd after just five minutes when the lively Caio Canedo headed home from point-blank range following great work from Harib Abdalla.

But Kuwait had their fans back on their feet in the 16th minute when Mohammed Daham took advantage of sloppy defending to burst through and finish in style to level the scores.

And in a dramatic finish to the game, UAE had Kouame Autonne dismissed for his second yellow card in the 85th minute and, just two minutes later, another defensive lapse was pounced on by substitute MoaathAlenezi to slide into the empty net and send the crowd into raptures.

In the opening match of the night, Oman came from a goal down to stun 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar, 2-1 at the Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium.

Qatar flew out of the blocks to take the lead after just two minutes through striker Almoez Ali’s 60th goal for his country. But Oman struck back in the 20th minute when Issam Al-Sabhi converted from the penalty spot to make it all square at the break.

Then Al-Sabhi struck again to put the 2023 finalists in front seven minutes into the second half when he ghosted into the back post unmarked to fire home a low cross.

Qatar pushed hard for an equalizer but Oman’s disciplined defense held firm for a memorable victory to go top of Group A, ahead of the third and final Group A games on Friday night.

Kuwait its hard-fought victory over the UAE by expressing gratitude to its dedicated fans.

Player Sultan Al-Anzi acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting the strength of its opponent. "The match was challenging, especially since the UAE team includes many distinguished players. We secured the win through great focus and a strong mental approach," he said.

Despite the triumph, Al-Anzi emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. "We will not over-celebrate this win. A crucial match against Qatar is ahead, and we need to direct all our attention there. As a team, we are taking the tournament step by step, hoping to go far," he added.

Defender Khaled Mohammed Ibrahim attributed the victory to relentless effort and high spirits that endured until the final whistle. "We overcame a strong, favored UAE team filled with professionals thanks to our determination and continuous giving," he said.

Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Kuwaiti fans, describing their support as pivotal. "KhaleejiZain 26 holds immense significance for us, given Kuwait’s proud history in the Gulf Championship. Now, we’ve turned the page on this win and are fully focused on Qatar, the most critical match so far," he remarked. Ibrahim assured fans that the team will fight hard, adding, "Victory is the best response to skeptics, showcasing the Kuwaiti player’s fighting spirit and determination."

Eid Al-Rashidi highlighted the importance of the victory and credited the team's discipline and focus. "The win was a result of exploiting the UAE’s mistakes and our consistent efforts," he said, adding that the team has yet to secure a semi-final spot.

“Our ambition extends beyond a single victory. Facing Qatar requires maximum focus, and we are determined to bring joy to our fans by aiming for the championship title," Al-Rashidi stated.

For Moaz Al-Aseima, Gulf Zain 26 marks an unforgettable milestone as his first Gulf Cup appearance. "Scoring the winning goal against the UAE is indescribable. I had full confidence in my teammates, and they delivered," he shared.

Al-Aseima stressed the importance of focusing on the Qatar match and expressed hope for continued fan support. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to his parents, calling them the cornerstone of his success.

Fawaz Ayed credited the team’s determination and the fans' unwavering support for the victory. "We approached the match with a clear resolve to win and please our fans, which have been incredible since day one of the tournament," he said.

Looking ahead, Ayed emphasized the necessity of maintaining focus on Qatar. "The team hasn’t qualified yet, so we must approach this match with the same determination. Step by step, we aim to build on our performance," he added.

Midfielder Ahmed Al-Dhafiri expressed gratitude to the team’s technical and administrative staff for their support. Reflecting on the tournament’s start, he said, "We weren’t successful against Oman, but we managed to dedicate this victory over the UAE to our loyal fans."

As the players shift their attention to the decisive match against Qatar, their collective determination and the fans' encouragement remain central to their aspirations for the tournament.