BANGKOK, April 20: Kuwaiti futsal team drew 3-3 with Afghanistan, a crucial match for qualification to the World Cup in Uzbekistan in the second round of the Asian Cup finals' Group D competitions held in Bangkok.

Ranked 41st globally, Kuwait earned 4 points with this draw, while Afghanistan secured its first tournament point.

Afghanistan took the lead from Farzad Mahmoudi, but Kuwait swiftly responded with two goals from Nasser Al-Alaban and Omar Al-Mansour, ending the first half with a 2-1 lead.

Afghanistan, boasting professional players from the Iranian league in the second half, equalized through Reza Hosseinpour. Kuwait briefly regained the lead with a goal from Saleh Al-Fadil, but an error by Badr Al-Mansour resulted in a direct free kick, allowing Afghanistan's Bor to score the equalizer.

Coach David Marin deployed goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Hazeem in the "Power Play" tactic, but despite efforts, the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Kuwait faces Iran in their final group-stage match, aiming to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff