Bahrain could’ve scored against Oman, says coach “It was a tough game against a stubborn team, but we could’ve scored THURsday, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 in the end.” page 14

A large number of Kuwaiti fans wave their country’s national flag at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday for their team’s 24th Group B match against Saudi Arabia. They waved flags, blew horns cheering the team loud.( AFP) Kuwait make a rip-roaring start to their campaign with fans galore Ten-time Gulf Cup Scoreline winners go past Kuwait 3 (Ahmed al Dhefiri 43’, Sami al Sanea 45+1’, Mubarak al Faneni 90’) bt Saudi Arabia 1 (Firas al Saudi Arabia 3-1, Buraikan 90+6’) top Group B

Ayeni Olusegun

Record champions Kuwait roared to a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia in the at the Al Duhail Sta- dium, and top Group B with three points, on Wednesday. Kuwait have won the tro- phy 10 times with their last success in 2010. They have also failed to reach the final of the competition in the last three editions. Kuwait coach Thamer Enad, one of two Arab coaches in the competition, had ear- lier said the Gulf Cup is still a charming competition with its traditions, having played for Kuwait himself. Saudi Arabia started brightly and a defensive error presented the Green Falcons with a golden chance to score but Yahya al Sheri shot wide off the mark with the goal at his mercy. The Saudis domintated and soon had another oppor- Kuwait’s defender Sami al Sanea (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal in the Group B match against Saudi Arabia tunity to score when a long at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday. (AFP) ball found Sultan al Ghanam whose first touch was excel- er again in similar style. The loop his header over the cross lent. The defender however, midfielder sent another beau- bar from six yards out. went for glory sending his ef- tiful ball over the top which But, The Blue Wave put the fort harmlessly into the side of caught the Saudi defence nap- game to bed in the 90th min- the post despite better options ping for Sami al Sanea to make ute. Saudi quest for a goal left in the box. it two for Kuwait on the stroke their defence open and a swift Kuwait took time to settle of halftime. counter attack found Mubarak and soon started carving out The defender beat the off- al Faneni. openings in the Saudi defence. side trap before rounding the The young striker shrugged For all Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper to slip the ball into off his marker before sending chances, they only managed an empty goal. a composed finish past the one shot on target and Ku- In the second half Saudi hapless Qarni in goal. wait made them pay soon after Arabia coach Herve Renard The Green Falcons finally through Ahmed al Dhefiri two made changes to the team but got a consolation in added time minutes before half time. Kuwait held firm playing at when Firas al Buraikan bun- A freekick from just out- their own pace. dled home from close range side the Saudi box was blocked Yousef Nasser was guilty of after good wing play from sub- and fell kindly for Bader al missing several chances to ex- stitute Nawaf al Abed. It was a Mutawa. The captain sent a tend Kuwait’s lead as Renard’s little too late as Kuwait held on lovely chip over the top unto side struggled to create any Kuwait’s Fahad al Hajeri to go top of the group. the path of Al Dhefiri who clear cut openings. (left) vies for the ball with Kuwait will next play Bah- calmly slotted past Fawaz al Nasser again with the Saudi’s forward Firas al rain on Monday, while Saudi Qarni in goal. goalie at his mercy in the 83rd Buraikan. (AFP) Arabia will meet Oman on the Kuwait fans cheer ahead of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup match against Al Mutawa turned provid- minute, somehow managed to same evening. Saudi Arabia at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday. (AFP)