A Kuwaiti player goes for a header as teammates and an opponent look on.

JEDDAH, Sept 2: Kuwait’s U-20 national team goes into today’s clash with Yemen with no option but victory. The match kicks off at 4:30 PM at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Al-Mahala, marking the final round of Group A in the U-20 Gulf Cup. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia faces Qatar in the group’s other fixture.

Kuwait is currently third in the group with 2 points, trailing Saudi Arabia (4 points) and Yemen (3 points), while Qatar sits at the bottom with 1 point.

Kuwait started the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Qatar, followed by a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, leaving today’s result crucial for advancing. A win would put the team firmly in control of its semi-final ambitions.

Coach Croatian Verdo Milin is confident in the squad’s abilities, noting that the team has shown impressive form in both previous matches. Against Qatar, Kuwait led twice but was denied victory as Qatar equalized each time.

All four teams still have a shot at the semi-finals: Yemen needs a draw or a win, Qatar must win to advance, and Saudi Arabia can progress with either a win or a draw.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff