Qatar bow out of Gulf Cup after 1-1 draw with Kuwait

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December 27, 2024
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27-December-2024

Qatar bow out of Gulf Cup after 1-1 draw with Kuwait

Kuwait: Qatar’s national football team saw their journey in the 26th Arab Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 26) come to a disappointing end following a 1-1 draw with Kuwait in their final Group A match at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium. 

The result left Qatar in third place with just two points, while Kuwait advanced to the semifinals with five points. The tournament continues in Kuwait until January 3.  

Kuwait took the lead in the 74th minute through Mohammed Daham’s strike, while Qatar equalized in dramatic fashion with Mohammed Muntari’s header in the 90+10th minute.  

Qatar entered the match with a must-win mindset, fielding a lineup designed for victory. Ahmed Al-Rawi partnered Almoez Ali in attack, with Akram Afif and Youssef Abdulrazzaq supporting from the wings. Fullbacks Homam Al-Amin and Abdullah Youssef added width to the attack.  

The team dominated early exchanges, using high pressing to control possession. In the fifth minute, Homam Al-Amin unleashed a powerful shot that flew over the crossbar. Almoez Ali followed with a near-miss header in the 10th minute.  

Kuwait, forced into a defensive strategy, relied on counterattacks. Qatar’s defense, marshaled by Lucas Mendes, held firm, while their attack kept testing Kuwaiti goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi. Almoez Ali's 20th-minute header and Akram Afif's creative play gave Qatar opportunities, but Kuwait’s defense stood resolute.  

The first half ended with Qatar on the offensive but unable to break through, while Kuwait’s rare counterattacks posed little threat.  

Qatar continued to dominate after the break, with Almoez Ali and Ahmed Al-Rawi testing Al-Rashidi. In response, coach Luis Garcia introduced fresh legs, bringing on Mohammed Muntari and Abdulrahman Mustafa.  

Kuwait’s counterattacks became more dangerous as Moaz Al-Enezi and Mohammed Daham came close to scoring. Qatar’s efforts paid off briefly in the 66th minute, but Almoez Ali’s goal was disallowed for offside.  

Kuwait broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with Daham’s free-kick. Qatar pushed for an equalizer and were denied a penalty after a controversial VAR review in the 80th minute. Despite relentless efforts, including a thunderous shot by Muntari that hit the crossbar, the breakthrough only came in stoppage time when Muntari’s header found the net.  

Though Qatar salvaged a draw, it wasn’t enough to progress. Their campaign was marked by strong performances but marred by missed opportunities and moments of misfortune.