Kuwait Club storms into Challenge League semifinals

Kuwait Club players celebrate after advancing to Challenge League semifinals.

BISHKEK, April 19: Kuwait Club secured its place in the AFC Challenge League semi-finals after a dramatic 5-3 victory over Oman’s Al Shabab in the quarter-finals at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek.

Goals for Kuwait Club came from Khaled Walaywa (34, own goal), Taha Yassine Khenissi (39), Amro Abdel Fattah (48), Mohammed Marhoon (63), and Faisal Zaid (90), while Al Shabab responded through Mohammed Al Ghafri (72) and a brace from Kenan Maliko (75, 88).

Kuwait Club dominated the first half, controlling possession and limiting Al Shabab’s attacking threat, while regularly testing Omani goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini. The Omani side mainly depended on counterattacks, which failed to trouble the Kuwaiti defence.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Marhoon’s cross was deflected into his own net by a defender. Khenissi then doubled the lead seven minutes later with a composed finish following a move involving Mohammed Daham.

Kuwait Club extended its advantage early in the second half to go 4-0 up, before coach Nebojša Jovović made changes, introducing Idrissa Doumbia and Youssef Nasser.

But after easing off, Kuwait Club allowed Al Shabab back into the game, with the Omani side scoring twice in quick succession to reduce the deficit and spark a tense finish.

A late error from substitute Doumbia further boosted Al Shabab’s hopes, before Faisal Zaid sealed the win in style, scoring a spectacular bicycle kick in the closing stages to confirm Kuwait’s semi-final qualification.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff