Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuwait City: In a clash of former AFC Cup champions, three-time winners Kuwait SC will battle it out with inaugural champions Al Jaish of Syria to take outright lead in AFC Cup Group D with both sides boasting 100% records so far.
Kuwait SC, who lifted the title in 2009, 2012 and 2013, have defeated Lebanese club Nejmeh and Riffa of Bahrain (pictured) so far in this year's competition and prepared for Tuesday’s match at Kuwait SC Stadium with a confidence-boosting 5-0 win against Al Shabab in their recent league match on Saturday.
However, the tolls of a busy fixture list have proved damaging to Mohammad Ebrahim’s side with midfielder Waleed Aly and defender Sami Al Sanea, a scorer in last week’s win 2-1 over Riffa, both set to miss the meeting with Al Jaish through injury.
“The two teams are equal as they have the same points and the group is still open. Our players are tired due to the heavy schedule that we have as the match tomorrow will be the third in only seven days,” said Kuwait SC coach Ebrahim.
“However, I have big confidence in the abilities of our players and their performances. The match against Al Jaish will not be easy as they are a strong side and they have good players who can be decisive.”
Opponents Al Jaish have picked up consecutive 1-0 wins away over Riffa and Nejmeh but the Syrian club’s coach, Anas Makhlouf, is well aware of the threat one of the pre-tournament favourites will pose for his side.
“Kuwait SC won the AFC Cup title three times before and they have decent players. The match will not be easy for the two teams as they share the top spot in the group and they have six points from two matches,” said Makhlouf.
“The match is important but it is not decisive but I have seen the determination of our players to have a good performance in the match tomorrow and get the important three points especially as we have a complete squad.”
Photo: WSG