By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait Futsal team seek to reach the quarter finals when they play against Thailand on Thursday in the second round of group one matches of AFC FUTSAL ASIAN CUP KUWAIT 2022. Kuwait is hosting the games with participation of 16 teams. Kuwait are on top of the group after defeating Oman Tuesday with 3 points, ahead of Thailand team which defeated Iraq 3-2.

Kuwait's match today is considered a cross-roads for the team, as if the team win, they will move to the next round, or qualify directly if Oman draw with Iraq. Kuwait's coach will rely on the excellent performance during Oman match especially goal keeper Mohammad Al-Hazeem, and Abdelrahman Al-Taweel, Abdellatif Al-Abbasi and Abdelrahman Al-Wadhi.

In group 2, Bahrain seek to make up for the bad performance in the first round when they meet Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will go for a second win when they meet. Bahrain earlier lost to Tajikistan 3-4 while Uzbekistan defeated Turkmenistan 8-0.

Kuwait's player Abdelrahman Al-Taweel who was selected 'Man of the Match' against Oman said the players are looking forward to qualify for the semi-finals - adding that their goal is to compete for the championship. Oman's coach Younis Al-Fahdi said Kuwait team deserve to win. He admitted that his team were not up to their usual level.

Saudi Arabia's team surprised Japan by defeating them 2-1 during the first round of Group 4. Japan scored early in the 3rd minute, but Saudi Arabia's Nasser Al-Harthy and Muhsen Faqihi answered quickly with one goal each. Saudi Arabia's coach said the team were determined to win and were able to score two goals in 5 minutes.