Helio Souza talks to a player during training session.

DOHA, Nov 19: Kuwait will kick off training tonight at Al-Aqla Stadium in Doha as it prepares for a playoff match against Mauritania for a spot in the Arab Cup.

The Al-Azraq delegation arrived in Doha yesterday from Cairo, concluding a training camp that began on November 10. During the camp, the team played two friendlies — defeating Tanzania 4–3 on November 15 and drawing 2–2 against Gambia.

Portuguese coach Helio Souza made significant changes to the lineup from the Tanzania match and introduced further substitutions in the second half, enabling the team to come back from a 0–2 deficit to secure a 2–2 draw.

Gambia twice took the lead through St. Pauli striker Abdoulaye Cissé (42nd and 53rd minutes), but Al-Azraq fought back with substitute Youssef Nasser converting a penalty in the 64th minute, followed by defender Mohammed Al-Sharifi scoring in the 90th minute on his international debut.

A victory over Mauritania would see Al-Azraq advance to the Arab Cup finals in Group D alongside Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE. The team will continue training in Qatar until their first group-stage match against Egypt on December 2.

Souza explained that the friendly matches “gave players who missed the Tanzania game a chance to compete and raise their level.” He added, “I am building a squad that functions as a single unit. I trust all 23 players in the squad, and we are not a team that depends on just 11 or 14 players.”

The Portuguese coach noted that matches against African sides help prepare the team for Mauritania’s playing style, praising all players for their commitment and excellent response during both friendlies.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff