Al-Abyad secures a costly victory on Nasaf's turf

Led by Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib, Kuwait secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uzbek hosts Nasaf Qarshi yesterday at the Central Stadium in Uzbekistan, in the third round of Group A matches of the AFC Champions League Two football tournament.

The “Whites” moved up to six points, while Nasaf remained stuck on one point in a group that also includes UAE’s Al-Ittihad Kalba and Bahrain’s Al-Khaldiya.

Both teams failed to create serious chances until the second half of the first period. Kuwait played with high organization, denying Nasaf the space needed to build threats against goalkeeper Saud Al-Houshan. Kuwait’s attacking movements were precise, and attempts by Bahraini internationals Mohammed Marhoon, Ali Hussein, and Mohammed Daham caused some confusion in the Uzbek side’s defense.

Kuwait took the lead in the 40th minute when Ali Hussein delivered a low cross, which Mohammed Daham tapped in with a single touch past Nasaf goalkeeper Abdulwahid Nematov. Kuwait tried to extend their advantage in the remaining time of the first half, but their efforts were in vain, and the half ended with the “Whites” leading 1-0.

In the second half, Kuwait focused on securing their lead, relying on counter-attacks. Mohammed Daham made a significant effort, breaking through Nasaf’s defense and firing a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, which goalkeeper Nematov saved with difficulty in the 56th minute. Kuwait’s Moroccan professional Mehdi Berrahma delivered a cross that Amr Abdel Fattah (“Omari”) headed wide of the goal in the 72nd minute.

Nasaf striker Nigerian Yusuf Otanbjo saw a ball go past Kuwait’s goal in one of the Uzbek team’s best chances in the 75th minute. Kuwait’s goalkeeper Saud Al-Houshan also made a crucial save to deny Nasaf’s Kosovar striker Edinis Shala in a clear one-on-one situation in the 76th minute.

The match was officiated with authority by Qatari referee Abdulhadi Al-Ruwaili, who made no influential errors.