Kuwait targets win over Iraq to revive Gulf Cup hopes

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia players vie for the ball during the opening match.

JEDDAH, Sept. 24: Kuwait will look to revive its Gulf Cup campaign when they face Iraq at 6:55 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah in the second round of Group A matches. In the other group game, hosts Saudi Arabia meet Oman at 9 p.m. at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Saudi Arabia leads the group with three points, followed by Iraq and Oman on one point each, while Kuwait is bottom without a point.

Kuwait needs a victory to keep its hopes of reaching the semifinals alive after a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening game. Another defeat would leave its qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while a draw would also make its task considerably harder.

Coach Hélio Sousa will rely on his players to respond against Iraq after Kuwait showed promising signs in the first half against Saudi Arabia.

Sousa is expected to continue giving younger players opportunities after several impressed in the opener. However, the team faded after the break, with inexperience contributing to the loss. The coaching staff has also worked on correcting the defensive and organizational mistakes made against Saudi Arabia, while seeking greater control and effectiveness in midfield.

Iraq enters the match with a point after drawing 1-1 with Oman and will also be chasing its first victory of the tournament to strengthen its semifinal prospects.

Saudi Arabia will look to make it two wins from two when they face Oman, with victory securing their place in the semifinals.

Coach Giorgos Donis could make changes to his lineup after some players failed to produce the expected level in the opening match.

Oman, meanwhile, will be determined to improve after a disappointing first-half display against Iraq. Coach Tarik Sektioui knows his side must avoid defeat, with a win or draw keeping their qualification hopes on track, while another loss would put them in a difficult position.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff