Al-Abyad starts off brilliantly against Al-Ittihad

Kuwait host Al-Wehda in the UAE today at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, as the first group stage of the AFC Champions League Two kicks off. Also in the same group, Bahrain’s Al-Khaldiya face Uzbekistan’s Nasaf Qarshi today.

The “Whites” seek a strong start to the continental competition when they face a tough test against Al-Wehda, bolstered by home advantage and fan support. Kuwait’s coach, Syrian Fares Al-Khatib, hopes all his players will be mentally and physically ready for today’s match, which demands double effort.

Al-Khatib has placed his trust in Saud Al-Houshani to guard the “Whites’” goal. In front of him, the defensive quartet comprises Cameroon’s Omar Gonzalez, Congolese Malick Zola, Mohammed Faraih, and Mohsen Fallah. In midfield are Morocco’s Mehdi Barhuma, Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, and Ali Hussein. Up front, Bahrain’s Mohammed Marhoon, Amr Abdel Fattah (“Omari”), and Youssef Nasser lead the attack.

Kuwait have played three matches in the Zain Premier League, drawing 3-3 with Al-Arabi, then beating Al-Qadsia 1-0 and Al-Jahra 1-0. The club has extensive experience in the AFC Champions League Two, having won the title three times previously in 2009, 2012, and 2013, when it was known as the AFC Cup.

On the other side, Al-Wehda, managed by Brazilian coach Pericles Chamusca, are a well-known and strong team in the UAE, featuring several prominent players such as Lucas Pimentel, Alaa Zohair, Abdullah Hamad, Syrian Omar Khribin, and Belgian Christian Benteke. Al-Wehda currently sit sixth in the UAE Pro League with nine points after five rounds.