Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saida: Kuwait SC handed Nejmeh a 2-1 defeat as the three-time champions confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the 2015 AFC Cup on Wednesday, with Rogerinho scoring a goal in each half.
Rogerinho (Rogério de Assis Silva Coutinho) found the back of the net early in each half despite Sy Cheikh levelling for the Lebanese – who were already eliminated from the competition – midway through the first half.
With Riffa held to a draw by group leaders Al Jaish in the other game in Group D, the win ensured Kuwait SC sealed their place in the last 16.
“We played well today as we were under pressure to win the match and we achieved this with the great determination of the players, who put in a good performance despite the fact we were missing several players,” said Kuwait SC coach Mohammad Ebrahim.
“Our opponents played without any pressure while our players were nervous. After scoring the first goal, our opponents levelled the scores, but in the second half we improved our performance and held on to our lead.”
Rogerinho, winner of the inaugural AFC Foreign Player of the Year Award in 2012, scored after just two minutes, thumping his right-footed shot past Ahmad Taktouk after receiving a return pass from Khaled Al Azemi that unlocked the Lebanese defence.
Twenty minutes later, though, Nejmeh were level after Mohamad Hammoud’s free kick into the area was headed home by Cheikh from close range past Musaba Al Kandari.
Just as they did in the first half, Kuwait SC started quickly upon the resumption after the halftime break and it was Rogerinho who struck again, the Brazilian netting after Fahad Al Enezi evaded Taktouk and the striker rolled the ball into the unguarded net.
Nejmeh were unable to find a way back on to level terms for a second time in the game, and Kuwait SC claimed the win that moved them onto 10 points from their first five match days.
“We went into the match knowing we didn’t have any chance to qualify to the knockout stage,” said Nejmeh coach Theo Bucker. “We played with great fighting spirit and we gave the chance to some young players to play in the match as we are preparing for the final of the cup.
“Despite the defeat, we had a good performance and the result is not that bad because we were missing some key players. We are now looking to the future and hopefully we can win the Lebanon Cup to return to the competition next year.”
Photo: WSG