Kuwait U-23 player controls the ball during the match against Qatar.

DOHA, Dec 6: Kuwait’s under-23 national team kicked off its Gulf Cup campaign with a 3–0 defeat against host nation Qatar.

All three goals came in the first half, with Mustafa Asr opening the scoring in the 3rd minute, Mohamed Siraj doubling the lead in the 37th minute, and Ahmed Riad sealing the victory with a stoppage-time goal. Despite efforts in the second half, Kuwait was unable to mount a comeback, handing Qatar its first three points in Group A.

In another Group A match, Saudi Arabia recorded a commanding 5–0 win over Bahrain.

The tournament, hosted by Qatar until December 16, marks the first edition organized under the Gulf Cup Football Association. In Group B, Yemen defeated Iraq 2–1, while the UAE overcame Oman 2–0.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with Group A’s leader facing Group B’s runner-up and Group B’s leader taking on Group A’s runner-up. The winners of these semifinal matches will progress to the final.