Kuwait U-17 takes on Lebanon in crucial Asian qualifier

A file photo of Kuwaiti players celebrating.

OMAN, Nov 12: Kuwait’s Under-17 national team faces a crucial test in its bid to reach the Asian Cup finals when it meets Lebanon at 7:00 pm on Saturday at the Saada Sports Complex Stadium in Salalah, Oman, in the third round of Group Seven qualifiers.

The match will be preceded by the group’s other fixture between Oman and Brunei, scheduled for 4:00 pm at the same venue.

The Blues are still searching for their first victory after opening their campaign with a 1–1 draw against Bahrain.

Kuwait's task will not be easy against group leader Lebanon, who have collected six points from two matches. The Lebanese side began with a resounding 7–0 win over Brunei before edging Oman 2–1 in the second round on Wednesday.

Kuwait will be looking to revive its qualification hopes, with the players needing to raise their performance and deliver a strong display to remain in contention for a place in the finals.

The seven group winners will advance to the finals, joining the nine teams that have already qualified to represent Asia at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Bahrain, who sits on four points, has a rest day in this round after beating Brunei 6–1 on Wednesday. Oman and Brunei remain winless.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff