Fahad El Enezi struck an outstanding injury-time winner as Kuwait stunned 2013 Gulf Cup finalists Iraq to claim an empowering 1-0 victory in their opening 2014 Gulf Cup Group B clash on Friday.
Ex-Bani Yas boss Jorvan Vieira’s troops were second best for much of a dire final encounter of the double-header at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. This changed dramatically past the 90-minute mark.
Substitute striker Fahad Al Anarsi first poorly shot over when unmarked inside the penalty area. The Blues bench thought their hopes of a empowering victory were gone, only for the pony-tailed Al Kuwait winger to produce a measured curled effort that zoomed straight into the top-right corner of the goal from 25 yards.
The Kuwaitis charged to the massed ranks of travelling supporters who had come to the Saudi capital. Loud chanting could still be heard deep inside the ground as the post-match press conferences took place.
“We made some mistakes, but the victory is so important,” Vieira said. “The three points will give more confidence.
“Both teams could have won this match, which was like ping-pong as there were so many opportunities.
“Iraq had too much confidence in the last 10 minutes and our fast players preyed on this on the counter-attack. This victory has so many important points for us and our group.
“This will push us to work hard to continue in this group. There are mistakes we must correct.”
Earlier, forward Justin Meram had twice come within inches of marking his Iraq debut with a goal.
The 25-year-old was a late call-up from coach Hakeem Shaker after excelling in Major League Soccer for Columbus Crew. Meram was left frustrated again shortly into the second half, his thundering effort from the edge of the box tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Nawaf Al Khaldy.
