Firas: The expulsion is the turning point

Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib of Kuwait Club stated that the red card shown to Bahraini player Mohammed Marhun in the 60th minute was the main turning point in the "White Knights" 2-3 defeat to UAE's Al-Wahda in the first round of Group 1 of the AFC Champions League Two. Al-Khatib said his team was comfortably leading 2-0 before the dismissal changed the course of the match and made the task much harder for Kuwait during the final half-hour, noting that Al-Wahda was superior and in better physical condition in the second half. He also praised Al-Wahda's Syrian striker Omar Kharbin, emphasizing that he is a distinguished player with extensive experience who posed a clear threat to Kuwait's defense.