Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuwait City: AFC Cup MVP Bader Al Motawaa believes sides from Kuwait have earned the right to play in the AFC Champions League next year following Saturday’s final between domestic rivals Al Qadsia and Kuwait Sport Club.
Al Motawaa had scored nine goals to propel Al Qadsia to the final, but the striker was forced to watch from the stands at Peace & Friendship Stadium after picking up a foot injury picked up on national team duty with Kuwait.
And Brazilian Rogerinho and Tunisian striker Issam Jemaa scored in the second half as Kuwait SC retained the AFC Cup title.
But despite the defeat, Al Motawaa believes Kuwait’s recent success in the AFC Cup should lead to consideration for a place in the AFC Champions League next year with Kuwait SC winning the AFC Cup title for a third time in five years.
“I wish that we can take part in the AFC Champions League next year because Kuwaiti football is good and deserves to get a chance to play in such an elite competition,” said Al Motawaa.
“Without doubt I wanted to play in the final. I was wishing to feature in the final because such matches go into the history books and they are always remembered. However, injury prevented me from taking part in the match.”
Al Qadsia had edged a cagey first half as Omar Al Suma hit the post with a header after 17 minutes.
But with Al Qadsia unable to convert that dominance in possession into a breakthrough, Rogerinho and AFC Cup leading goalscorer Jemaa struck either side of the hour mark as Kuwait SC became the first side to win the AFC Cup three times.
The match was really hard for us as we have played a lot against Kuwait in the local competition,” added Al Motawaa.
“Therefore, it was a close match as the two teams knew each other well. We apologise to the Al Qadsia fans for not winning the title.
“We are all one team and we complete each other and if it weren’t for my team-mates, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this success.”