Players chase the ball during the opening match between Kuwait and Myanmar.

YANGON, Sept 4: Kuwait’s Olympic soccer team is set to take on Afghanistan tomorrow at 3:30 PM at Thuwunna Stadium in the second round of Group A for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Earlier in the day, Japan will face Myanmar at 12:30 PM in the same group.

After a goalless draw with Myanmar in the opening round and Japan’s 3-0 victory over Afghanistan, Kuwait has no choice but to win to stay in contention. A victory will revive its hopes of qualifying for next year’s finals in Saudi Arabia, where the group winners and four best second-placed teams advance.

Croatian coach Dario Besic emphasized that only a win will keep the team on track, correcting the setback from the opening match. Training sessions since the first round have focused on improving player concentration, capitalizing on scoring opportunities, and boosting team cohesion. Besic warned that a draw or loss could end Kuwait’s chances, especially given strong performances from other teams in the qualifiers.

The squad includes standout players such as Abdulrahman Ajaj, Hussein Kankoni, Dhari Al-Masri, Bandar Al-Brazi, Mohammed Al-Sharifi, Nasser Al-Anzi, Saleh Al-Muhtab, Abdullah Faris, Muneer Al-Subaie, Jassem Al-Anzi, Mohammed Al-Suraie, Jassem Al-Mutair, Montaser Abdul Salam, Omar Al-Saleem, Omar Al-Mutair, Omar Al-Azmi, Abdullah Al-Ghanim, Jarah Al-Helali, Ahmed Bodi, Moath Al-Asima, Youssef Majid, Khaled Al-Kharqawi, and Saud Qasim.

Kuwait enters the match determined to secure all three points and bounce back on their path to the U-23 Asian Cup.