Kuwait’s Gulf Cup exit highlights need for experience

Kuwait's captain Yusef Nasser is joined by teammates after scoring against Iraq.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 27: The Kuwait national team’s early exit from the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup has prompted differing views among television analysts, supporters and former international players, with many pointing to experience as an area the Blues need to strengthen.

Kuwait suffered a second successive Group A defeat, going down 3-2 to Iraq after losing 1-0 to Saudi Arabia in the opening round.

The Blues finished bottom of the group without a point, while Saudi Arabia advanced after collecting six points. The second qualification spot remains undecided between Iraq on four points and Oman on one.

Despite the results, Kuwait showed considerable fighting spirit in both matches. The Blues competed strongly against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, both of whom recently featured at the 2026 World Cup, and showed that they can match some of the region’s strongest sides.

The players deserve credit for their determination, particularly their efforts to fight for points until the final whistle. Rather than dwelling on the results, the team should take confidence from its performances and continue building ahead of next January’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Professor Dr. Khalifa Behbehani expressed optimism about the national team, saying the players need more matches to gain valuable experience.

Former Qadsia and Kuwait defender Mohammed Benaian praised the coaching staff for giving opportunities to several young players, describing the move as positive. He added, however, that the team needs to establish a clearer identity.

Former Fahaheel and Kuwait player Abdulaziz Al-Hajri also highlighted the “personality” shown by the Blues, particularly among young players such as Abdulaziz Naji, Yousif Al-Haqan and Khaled Al-Murshid.

Former Kazma and Kuwait star Dr. Hamad Al-Tayyar stressed the importance of managing players’ fitness levels in tournaments played over a short period.

Former Kuwait goalkeeper Dr. Hussein Al-Mukhaimi said a lack of concentration and experience contributed to the defeat by Iraq, but he believes the current squad can produce better results in future competitions.

Former international Hamad Al-Harbi pointed to the difference in FIFA rankings and international experience between Kuwait and the other participating teams as factors behind the Blues’ narrow defeats. He said the national team needs more work but has the potential to compete with the continent’s top sides.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff