Kuwait Olympic Team Loses to Uzbekistan

Yahya Humaidan

Kuwait’s national Olympic football team (under-23) lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan on Friday in the second round of Group C matches at the 20th Asian Games, “Aichi-Nagoya 2026,” held at Minato Stadium in Japan.

In the same group, Vietnam defeated the Philippines 2-0.

The “Blue” squad currently holds one point in third place. Uzbekistan, the group leader, has secured a spot in the quarterfinals after reaching six points. Vietnam sits second with four points, while the Philippines remain winless and have officially been eliminated from the tournament.

During the first half, Kuwait’s Olympic team retreated into defensive positions and conceded two goals to Uzbekistan, both scored by Sardorbek Bakhtiyorov (6th and 36th minutes). The only notable attempt by the “Olympic” side came from Bandar Al-Salama, whose shot was saved by Uzbek goalkeeper Samandar Muratbaev (32nd minute), leaving the “Blue” team trailing 0-2 at halftime.

In the second half, Saudi referee Mohammed Al-Samail issued a red card to Uzbek player Ro’ziboy Fayzullaev after he received two yellow cards (48th minute).

Kuwait Olympic player Muntaser Abdul-Salam attempted to score from a direct free kick, but his shot was deflected by the Uzbek defensive wall, resulting in a corner kick that yielded no further progress (52nd minute).

The “Blue” team lacked offensive effectiveness for the remainder of the match, despite the opponent’s numerical disadvantage and substitutions made by Spanish coach David Dunga, who brought on players with a more attacking orientation. The match ended with Kuwait’s Olympic team losing 0-2 to Uzbekistan.