Kuwait and Myanmar chase the ball during the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifier.

YANGON, Sept 3: Kuwait’s Olympic team opened its AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against hosts Myanmar at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

The result leaves the Blues with just a single point in Group A ahead of Saturday’s second-round clash with Afghanistan. Kuwait will conclude its group stage fixtures against Japan on September 9.

Head coach Dario Basic fielded a starting XI led by goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Rashidi, with Jassem Al-Enezi, Nasser Khudhur, Saleh Al-Mutheb, and Jarrah Al-Helaili in defense. The midfield featured Muntasir Abdulsalam, Omar and Jassem Al-Matar, and Bandar Al-Barazi, while Muath Al-Osaimea and Khaled Al-Kharqawi spearheaded the attack.

Myanmar started brightly, forcing Al-Rashidi into an early save in the second minute. Kuwait gradually gained control, creating several chances through Al-Helaili and Omar Al-Matar, but they were denied by the home goalkeeper.

Despite dominating possession in the second half, Kuwait failed to capitalize on its opportunities. Basic introduced fresh legs with Yusuf Majed, Omar Al-Azmi, Mohammed Al-Shuraifi, and Ahmed Boudi, but the breakthrough never came.

The Blues pressed late on, but Myanmar held firm to secure a point, leaving Kuwait with work to do in the remaining group matches.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff