KUWAIT: The opening stages saw Oman take a more composed approach, focusing on maintaining possession, while Kuwait looked eager to press early, even risking a yellow card within the first two minutes after a rash challenge.

A big chance for the hosts came in the 7th minute when Omani keeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini misjudged a corner, leaving the ball at Kuwait’s Khaled’s feet—only for the opportunity to be wasted. Oman’s backline showed moments of clumsiness, inviting pressure as Kuwait sensed openings.

Despite Oman’s attempt to break through in the 12th minute with a promising cross, there was no one in position to convert. The Red Warriors looked sluggish and lacked sharpness in the final third, unable to capitalize on their few chances.

A glimmer of opportunity came in the 21st minute when Salaah was fouled just outside the box, earning Kuwait’s Sultan Al Enezi the first yellow card of the night. But the resulting set-piece failed to trouble the hosts.

Oman’s best moment came in the 32nd minute as Arshad let fly a thunderous effort from outside the box, narrowly missing the target in what could have been the breakthrough.

Kuwait was forced to make an early substitution as number 4 Khaled Al Hajah headed out with an injury.

As fans from both nations filled the stadium with chants, the energy remained high, even as the goals did not. Both teams now return to the dressing room with everything to play for in the second half, knowing that only a win could revive their fading World Cup dreams.