Team Qatar battles to thrilling Draw with Kuwait in Gulf U-20 Cup Opener

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August 29, 2025
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29-August-2025

Team Qatar battles to thrilling Draw with Kuwait in Gulf U-20 Cup Opener

ABHA -  Team Qatar’s U-20s kicked off their Gulf Cup journey with a spirited display, holding Kuwait to a 2–2 draw in a lively Group A opener on Thursday at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

The clash had drama from the start. Kuwait struck early through Mohammed Al-Mulla inside five minutes, but Qatar answered swiftly, with Richard Robert leveling in the 16th minute. Just as momentum shifted, Abdullah Khalifa restored Kuwait’s lead in the 27th minute, only for Ahmed Nasser to fire back almost instantly to make it 2–2 before the half-hour mark.

The first half ended with both sides trading blows, while the second half turned into a tactical battle. Spanish head coach Emmanuel Infante made smart adjustments, tightening Qatar’s defense and giving his side more control in midfield. Despite the pressure, neither team found the breakthrough as the match ended all square.

The draw leaves Qatar and Kuwait tied on one point apiece, while hosts Saudi Arabia top Group A after edging Yemen 1–0 in their opener.

Next up, Team Qatar will look to build momentum against Yemen on Sunday at Damac Stadium before a high-stakes clash with hosts Saudi Arabia on September 3.

This year’s Gulf U-20 Championship, running until September 9, features two groups: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen in Group A; and Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Egypt , the latter competing as a guest nation after the UAE’s withdrawal – in Group B. The semifinals are set for September 7, with the grand finale on September 10.