Kuwait is ready for a defining night against Svay Rieng in the Challenge League final

In this file photo, Kuwait Club players celebrate after winning a match.

KUWAIT CITY, May 12: Kuwait will look to make continental history when it meets Cambodia’s Svay Rieng in the AFC Challenge League final today at 7:45 pm at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

Al “Abyad” is chasing a fourth Asian title, having previously won the AFC Cup three times, while Svay Rieng aims for its first-ever continental crown.

Kuwait reached the final in strong form, topping Group B with seven points after beating Bashundara Kings 2-0 and Al Ansar 3-2, and drawing 1-1 with Al Seeb. It continued its momentum in the knockout stage, defeating Al Shabab 5-3 in the quarter-finals before edging Muras United 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Under Montenegrin coach Nebojša Jovović, the team has shown consistency and strength, with key players including Mohammed Daham, Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Youssef Nasser, Ali Hussein, Fahad Al-Hajeri, Mohsen Falah, Mohammed Marhoon, Mehdi Berrhama, Amr Abdel Fattah, and Yassin Khennissi.

Svay Rieng also impressed on its way to the final, topping Group D with seven points after 3-0 wins over Ezra of Laos and Falcons of Mongolia, and a 2-2 draw with Manila Digger.

In the quarter-finals, it came from behind to defeat Phnom Penh Crown 2-1, before securing a 3-0 semi-final win over Manila Digger after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

The Cambodian side is led by Irish coach Matthew MacConkey, who has guided it to a historic first appearance in a continental final.

An Omani refereeing team will officiate the match, led by Qasim Al-Hatmi, assisted by Nasser Al-Busaidi and Hamad Al-Ghafri, with Mahmoud Al-Majrafi as fourth official.

The final will also feature a musical performance by the Kuwaiti band Miami, along with entertainment activities and competitions before kickoff, at halftime, and after the match.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff