Pinto readies Kuwait for Qatar challenge in qualifiers

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KUWAIT CITY, March 25: Kuwait is set for a pivotal clash against Qatar in the Asian qualifiers for both the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 10:00 pm. Simultaneously, the Indian and Bangladesh teams are scheduled to compete at 2:30 pm in the same group stage fixtures.

Qatar currently leads the standings with 9 points, followed by the Indian team with 4 points. Kuwait occupies third place with 3 points, while Afghanistan trails behind in fourth place with only one point.

Kuwait commenced its qualifying journey with a narrow loss against the Indian team on home turf, followed by a resounding 4-0 victory against Bangladesh in the second round last November. However, their momentum faltered with a 3-0 defeat to Qatar last Thursday in Doha.

Securing a positive outcome against the reigning Asian champions poses a significant challenge, particularly as Al-Azraq has grappled with the absence of key players such as Sultan Al-Anazi, Bandar Al-Salama, Fahd Al-Hajri, Sami Al-Sanea, Shabib Al-Khalidi, and Meshari Ghannam.

Portuguese coach Rui Pinto acknowledges that achieving a favorable result and sustaining qualification hopes demands exemplary efforts from all team members. He emphasizes the importance of focus, precise organization, and rectifying past mistakes to seize the three crucial points.

Since its return from Doha, Pinto has been diligent in addressing the team’s shortcomings, especially after conceding two goals in just three minutes against Qatar. Today’s lineup is anticipated to witness alterations from the previous match, with a focus on reintegrating absent players into the fold.

Pinto’s strategic acumen will be tested as he devises plans to counter the strengths of the Qatari national team, particularly their prolific scorer Akram Afif and industrious player Al-Moez Ali, alongside other standout talents in the Qatari squad favored by their Spanish coach Marques Lopez, who aims for another victory to secure top position in the group ahead of the remaining fixtures.

Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

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