Tribune News Network
Doha
Captain Akram Afif was proud to see Qatar pass a tough Kuwait test to secure a 2-1 win that clinched their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on Tuesday. All three goals were scored in a space of four minutes late in the game with Almoez Ali’s double doing the trick for the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, confirming them as Group A winners with two matches to spare.
“Kuwait played a good match, especially when they were at home in front of their fans. That gave them big motivation to win and ignite their chances to qualify,” said Afif.
“It is normal that when you play away, the match will be difficult, as we faced a team who was looking for a win. For us, we got the important thing which is the win and the ticket to qualify for the next round of World Cup qualifiers, and we wish good luck to Kuwait for the last two matches,” he added.
Kuwait head coach Rui Bento was satisfied with the performance of their players, with the opportunity to advance still in their own hands despite the result leaving them a point adrift of both India and Afghanistan. “We did a good job against Asia’s champions,” said Bento.
“Yes, we could have performed better. It is true that we didn’t win, but I am proud of the players. Our chances to qualify are still open, our plan from the beginning was to build a new national team and we are moving forward with this plan. Today luck was not on our side to score, but I’m sure in the future, luck will be on our side.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Westwood was encouraged by the comeback of his Afghanistan side in their 2-1 win against India, with Sharif Mukhammad’s 88th penalty deciding the match.
Sunil Chhetri had put India ahead via the penalty spot in the 38th minute but Afghanistan fought back to equalise through Rahmat Akbari in the 70th minute before Sharif sealed their first win in the group.
“I was not under pressure being 1-0 down at half-time because I knew we would score,” said Westwood.
“I never felt pressured or under trouble because I always believed in the boys and am glad we got the result. We have six points to play for, we need a few results to go for us. We are not thinking that far ahead, we’ll enjoy tonight and the next week or so and then start thinking about that.”
Embattled India’s coach Igor Stimac said his side can still progress to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers, putting up a brave front despite an embarrassing defeat to lower-ranked Afghanistan.
“Of course, I think we can qualify (for third round of World Cup Qualifiers) and I told you before as well we are going to be a different team after a long camp. You can see that half of our players are not able to bring that intensity and I cannot change that in five days, I am sorry,” Stimac said.
“I repeat myself again and again and again. I hope you remember all these players were the same players in June-July and Afghanistan is not a different team than Kuwait and Lebanon teams that we had beaten and dominated.”
Stimac apologised for the defeat following a below-par performance from his wards. When asked if he would resign, he said that he is here to “fulfil a mission” and he would be in charge of the team till June.
