Kuwait SC Crowned After Seven-Goal AFC Classic

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Kuwait SC produced a sensational turnaround on Wednesday night, coming from two goals down twice to defeat Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 4–3 in the AFC Challenge League 2025/26 final at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.

In front of nearly 44,000 fans, Kuwait Club roared back to life in extra time to complete the comeback and lift the trophy, securing their fourth continental title after trailing 2–0 early and later 3–2. For the Cambodian side, it was a cruel ending as they finished as runners-up for the second consecutive year, despite earning widespread respect for another spirited performance.

The home side’s plans were disrupted almost immediately. In the third minute, Svay Rieng made a dream start, punishing Kuwait for failing to deal with Connor Shields’ long throw. After a partial clearance, the ball fell to Tiago Alves, who struck cleanly from outside the box into the bottom-left corner.

Buoyed by the early lead, Svay Rieng nearly doubled their advantage in the sixth minute. A slick exchange between Kwame Peprah and Alves ended with Peprah attempting an overhead kick that flashed just wide.

Kuwait club goalkeeper Khaled Al Rashidi urged his defence to settle, but they were punished again in the ninth minute. Alves found Ryo Fujii in space, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike that left the keeper with no chance.

Just before half-time, Kuwait thought they had pulled one back when Yassine Khennissi headed in from a corner, only for celebrations to be cut short as the ball had hit the side netting.

They did find the net early in the second half, but after a long VAR check, the assistant’s offside flag was overturned and Mehdi Barrahma’s close-range finish was awarded in the 48th minute.

That decision shifted momentum. Kuwait pushed forward relentlessly and equalised in the 56th minute when Amr Abd El Fattah Ammouri controlled a long clearance superbly before setting up Mohamed Marhoon, who finished calmly with his right foot.

Svay Rieng responded with greater defensive discipline, but their attacking threat from the first half faded as Kuwait continued to press. The match remained level through normal time, sending the final into extra time.

Extra time began in dramatic fashion as Svay Rieng regained the lead in the 96th minute through another long-range strike, silencing the stadium.

But Kuwait responded immediately. Just three minutes later, Ammouri struck again with a brilliant effort from distance to level the match at 3–3.

Drama continued deep into extra time when Yousef Al Sulaiman had a goal ruled out by VAR for a close-range infringement, denying Kuwait the lead once more.

Still, Kuwait Club refused to be denied. In the 114th minute, Al Sulaiman rose highest to head home Daham’s cross, completing a remarkable comeback and sealing a 4–3 victory. The stadium erupted as the Kuwait club completed one of the great continental final turnarounds in history.