Asian champions Qatar will play a do-or-die game against hosts Kuwait in Group A of the Arabian Gulf Cup in an attempt to make it to the tournament’s semifinal stages on Friday.

Qatar have just a point from two Group A games so far, with Kuwait sitting atop with Oman on four points, meaning Qatar must win by two goals to guarantee a passage to the last-four. A draw will be enough for Kuwait to finish in the top two and qualify for the semifinals.

On the eve of the game, head coach Luis Garcia said it was time for his new-look squad to step-up and be counted.

“It’ll be a very tough game. Kuwait are doing really well in front of their fans, but we’re confident of playing a good match and getting this victory to go through to the semifinal. Despite the short time, we’re pleased with the recovery from Tuesday’s match. So, I’m happy with the fitness and with the mindset of the players, which is very important.”

Garcia’s squad rotation has come in for criticism from some quarters back home, with young players given their chance, and he will be missing several senior players through injury and suspension against Kuwait at what is expected to be a sold-out Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.

“We’ve three players injured and suspended, which will affect our team because it’s a short tournament and not too much time to recover,” said Garcia. “But we’ve a squad of 26 players, and everybody is ready to help the team push to win the match against Kuwait.

“This is a very important tournament for Qatar and our young players because we can check how they perform in a big competition, so it’s very important for them to show what they can do. They’re doing really well, and we’re proud of them.

“Football never stops. If we don’t try with the young players now, then the future will be a problem. We need to play them. Maybe it’s their time?” he said during the pre-game Press conference.

Asian footballer of the year Akram Afif is expected to lead the team again and Garcia described him as ‘a teammate everyone would love to have.’

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s head coach said they intend to keep the feel-good factor going when they take on Qatar. The hosts secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the much-fancied UAE on Tuesday, which has seen tickets for their match against Qatar snapped up in record time.

“It was a very difficult match on Tuesday, and, of course, the players are tired. But they’re optimistic for the match against Qatar,” said Kuwait head coach Juan Pizzi.

“The fans are understandably happy because we beat a very strong UAE team. The players returned to training yesterday and showed me their mental readiness. They’re focussed for Qatar, and we’ll play tomorrow’s match with the aim to qualify (to the semifinals).

In Group A’s other match being held at the same time, Oman will take on UAE, who are also on one point and, like Qatar, they have to win. UAE coach Paulo Bento believes his team can finally live up to their favourites tag by beating neighbours Oman and qualify for the semifinals at the Jaber Al Mubarak International Stadium.

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