Barran Press
Yemen's Under-19 national football team drew 1-1 with Kuwait in their final group-stage match at the West Asian Football Federation Championship in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The result dashed Yemen's hopes of securing a direct qualification to the semi-finals.
Abdul Aziz Al-Masnoom put Yemen ahead, sparking celebrations among the players and coaching staff. However, Kuwait equalized, leaving Yemen to rue a missed opportunity.
The draw meant Yemen missed out on a direct semi-final spot, particularly after Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Oman.
Yemen's fate now hinges on the outcome of the Bahrain-Syria match on Sunday. If Syria wins, Yemen will be eliminated from the tournament. However, a draw between Syria and Bahrain will give Yemen a chance to qualify for the knockout stages, waiting for the result of the Albania and Jordan match, with goal difference as the deciding factor.
Despite the draw, Yemen remains in second place in Group A with five points, having drawn with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and defeating Oman.