Kuwait Club looks to keep AFC Challenge League dream alive

Kuwait Club player steps up preparation for key clash.

BISHKEK, April 21: Kuwait Club looks to keep its AFC Challenge League dream alive when it takes on Kyrgyz side Muras United at 5:00 PM today at Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, in the West Zone final.

The winner will advance to the tournament’s final on May 9, where it will face Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, who secured the East Zone spot after a 4-1 aggregate win over the Philippines’ Manila Digger.

Kuwait Club progressed after topping Group B with seven points, defeating Al-Ansar of Lebanon (3-2) and Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh (2-0), alongside a 1-1 draw with Oman’s Al-Seeb. It then edged past Al-Shabab of Oman 5-3 in the quarterfinals.

Muras United, meanwhile, finished top of Group C with five points, following draws with Regar-TadAZ of Tajikistan (0-0) and Al-Arabi of Kuwait (1-1), and a 2-0 win over Lebanon’s Al-Safa. It carried that momentum into the quarterfinals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Al-Ansar.

“The Whites” face a demanding challenge, with Muras set to benefit from home support in Bishkek. However, Kuwait Club’s strong continental pedigree—including three AFC Cup titles—could prove decisive in navigating the high-stakes encounter.

Under Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic, Kuwait Club boasts a well-balanced squad filled with experienced locals and impactful foreign players, all aiming to end a 12-year wait for continental silverware, last achieved in the 2013–2014 AFC Cup campaign.

Muras, on the other hand, will seek to make the most of home advantage and continue its impressive run, hoping to emulate regional neighbor Arkadag, last year’s champions.

Its confidence has been significantly boosted by the convincing win over Al-Ansar, widely regarded as one of the tournament's favorites.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff