Al Shabab exit AFC Challenge League after 5-3 loss to Kuwait SC

MUSCAT: Al Shabab Club bowed out of the AFC Challenge League 2025/2026 quarter-finals after a 5-3 defeat to Kuwait SC at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, with the Omani side paying the price for a poor first-half display despite a spirited second-half response.

Kuwait SC made a brighter start and imposed themselves from the opening minutes, creating several early chances and repeatedly testing Al Shabab’s back line. In contrast, Al Shabab looked short of identity and concentration in the first half, struggling to organise themselves and offering little in attack, with no real dangerous chances created as the Kuwaiti side controlled possession and dictated the tempo.

The pressure eventually told in the 34th minute when Khalid Lwaliwa turned the ball into his own net, handing Kuwait SC the lead. The Kuwaiti side continued to press forward and almost doubled the advantage two minutes later when Mohammed Marhoon threatened after a cross from Amr Abd El Fattah. Their second goal arrived in the 39th minute as Taha Khenissi capitalised on confusion in Al Shabab’s defence to make it 2-0 and leave the Omani side with a mountain to climb at the break.

An attempt to receive and control the ball by the Omani youth player.

Al Shabab returned for the second half with greater urgency and almost found a way back in the 46th minute when Kenean Markneh came close, only for the Kuwait SC goalkeeper to deny him. However, Kuwait SC quickly punished the Omani side again, with Amr Abd El Fattah scoring the third goal in the 48th minute through a powerful strike from outside the box.

The Kuwaiti side remained in control and extended their advantage further in the 62nd minute when Mohamةed Marhoon netted the fourth goal, again with a strong effort from long range. Despite the setback, Al Shabab refused to surrender and substitute Mohammed Al Ghafri reduced the deficit in the 71st minute with a header that briefly reignited hope.

Al Shabab continued to push forward, and Kenean Markneh struck again in the 74th minute after a fine individual effort, beating the defenders before firing home to make it 4-2. The Omani side kept up the pressure and were rewarded once more in the 88th minute when a defensive error from Kuwait SC allowed Markneh to pounce and finish superbly for his second of the match and Al Shabab’s third.

Any hopes of a late comeback, though, were ended in the 90th minute when Faisal al Harbi scored Kuwait SC’s fifth goal, sealing a 5-3 victory. While Al Shabab showed far more attacking intent after the break, their lack of focus and structure in the first half ultimately proved costly as their continental campaign came to an end.