Al Kuwait fend off Al Najma comeback in Asian Club League

Al Kuwait survived a spirited second-half fightback from Bahrain’s Al Najma to secure a 30-26 victory in the 28th Asian Men’s Club League Championship yesterday at Saad Al Abdullah Hall in Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti side appeared in complete control after a dominant opening half, taking a 16-8 lead into the break.

They were led by Victor Iturriza’s seven goals, while Filip Kuzmanovski added six. Saif Aladwani and Vladan Lipovina chipped in with five goals apiece, and goalkeeper Ali Safar made 11 saves.

Najma, however, showed the resilience that has established them as one of Asia’s premier clubs. Competing under new head coach Abdulrahman Mohamed, who recently succeeded Ali Al Falahi, the Bahrainis responded strongly after the interval and outscored their opponents 18-14 in the second half.

Mujtaba Alzaimaar led Najma’s charge with six goals, while Ahmed Fadhul and Hasan Madan each scored four times from four attempts. Hasan Alsamahiji contributed three goals as the Bahraini club steadily chipped away at the deficit.

Trailing by as many as 10 goals, Najma battled back to within three goals in the closing stages and threatened an unlikely comeback. But timely strikes from Iturriza and Kuzmanovski helped Al Kuwait maintain their cushion and see out the victory.

The opening half ultimately proved decisive. Al Kuwait raced to a 7-1 lead after 11 minutes as Najma struggled to break down their opponents’ compact 6-0 defensive formation. The hosts extended their advantage to 12-4 midway through the period and never relinquished control despite Najma’s improved display after the restart.

The defeat marks a challenging start to the continental campaign for Najma, who are seeking a third Asian club title. The Bahraini giants previously lifted the championship trophy in 2017 and 2023, finished runners-up in 2015 and 2022, and claimed third place in 2001.

Despite the setback, their second-half performance offered encouraging signs ahead of their next fixture as they continue their pursuit of another deep run in Asia’s premier club competition.

Only seven squads remain in the event after China’s CHA withdrew, meaning all teams are playing a single round-robin in the tournament’s preliminary stage.

The Bahraini side will face a quick turnaround when they meet Qatar’s Al Duhail today at 4pm at the same venue, in search of their first points of the tournament. They will later take on UAE’s Sharjah, Qatar’s Al Arabi, Kuwait’s Burgan Club, and Saudi Arabia’s Khaleej Club.