By our man in Qatar
DOHA, QATAR – Egypt clawed their way back to a 1-1 draw against a determined 10-man Kuwait side in their FIFA Arab Cup opener on Tuesday night, with the drama unfolding inside the iconic Lusail Stadium, the very ground set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
The stunning Qatari arena, which is a key showpiece of the tournament, saw the Pharaohs dominate possession but struggle to find the finishing touch against a resilient Kuwait defence, missing a first-half penalty through skipper Amr El-Soleya.
The deadlock was sensationally broken in the 64th minute when Kuwait defender Fahed Al-Hajeri rose highest from a corner, powering a header past the Egyptian keeper to send the underdogs’ fans inside the magnificent 80,000-seater stadium into raptures.
The venue, which will host the biggest match in world football in less than a year, was treated to a classic cup upset in the making.
Kuwait’s heroic resistance at the spectacular stadium was marred by late controversy.
Goalkeeper Suod Alhoushan, who had earlier pulled off several brilliant saves on the grand stage, received a red card in the 83rd minute for fouling an Egyptian attacker in the box.
Substitute Mohamed Afsha stepped up for the second Egyptian penalty of the night and, under immense pressure inside the gigantic, futuristic bowl, he smashed the ball home in the 88th minute to level the scores.
The late goal ensured the match ended 1-1, a frustrating result for Egypt after their dominance but a hard-fought, valuable point for Kuwait in the grand setting of the Lusail Stadium.
Both teams will leave the World Cup final venue knowing they have work to do if they want to progress from Group C.
