Kuwait aims to revive semifinal hopes against Iran at the Asian Junior Handball Championship

Al-Sulaibikhat presents goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Farhan.

AMMAN, Jordan, Aug 23: Kuwait will take on Iran at 4 p.m. today in a crucial Group B encounter at the 11th Asian Junior Handball Championship in Amman, Jordan, a qualifier for the 2027 World Championship.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back from their second-round defeat to Qatar and strengthen their hopes of reaching the semifinals. Kuwait opened its campaign with a convincing win over Syria.

With both teams needing points, a closely contested match is expected. Kuwait’s coaching staff has focused on correcting the errors from the Qatar game while improving the players’ physical and technical readiness.

Kuwait will also rely on its players' determination after an intensive preparation program that included training camps in Slovenia and Croatia, as well as several friendly matches.

Victory over Iran would give Kuwait its second win of the tournament and put the team in a stronger position ahead of its remaining group matches. Reaching the semifinals would also secure one of the four Asian qualification places for the 2027 World Junior Handball Championship.

Meanwhile, international goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Farhan has joined Al-Sulaibikhat’s senior handball team ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The move is part of Al-Sulaibikhat’s efforts to strengthen its squad with experienced players. The club has also been working on several local and foreign signings under national coach Hussein Habib.

Al-Farhan is expected to strengthen the team’s goalkeeping department with his considerable experience in Kuwaiti handball.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff