Kuwait SC complete stunning comeback to lift AFC Challenge league crown in epic final
Kuwait SC etched their name into Asian football history after producing a sensational comeback to defeat Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 4-3 after extra time and capture the AFC Challenge League 2025/26 title for the first time at a packed Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Wednesday night.
Roared on by more than 43,000 passionate supporters, Kuwait SC overturned a two-goal deficit and battled back again after trailing 3-2 in extra time to complete one of the most dramatic continental finals in recent memory and secure their fourth Asian title overall.
The visitors exploded out of the blocks and stunned the home crowd in the third minute when Tiago Alves punished Kuwait SC’s defensive hesitation after a long throw-in, drilling a fierce strike beyond goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi. Just six minutes later, the Cambodian champions doubled their advantage through a thunderous long-range effort from Ryo Fujii, leaving Kuwait SC reeling early in the contest.
Kuwait SC struggled to contain the pace and intensity of Svay Rieng during the opening half, with Kwame Peprah nearly adding a third when he rattled the post in the 36th minute. The hosts attempted to respond before halftime, but Yassine Khennissi’s header drifted narrowly into the side netting.
The second half, however, witnessed a complete transformation from the Kuwaiti giants. Kuwait SC returned with renewed energy and reduced the deficit in the 48th minute after VAR overturned an offside decision, allowing Mehdi Barrahma’s close-range finish from Amr Abd Al-Fattah (Ammouri’s) set-piece delivery to stand.
Momentum swung decisively toward the home side, and the equalizer arrived eight minutes later when Amr Abd El Fattah “Ammouri” brilliantly controlled a long clearance before teeing up Mohamed Marhoon, who calmly finished from close range to ignite the stadium.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the final headed into extra time where the drama intensified further. Svay Rieng shocked the crowd again in the 96th minute as Cristian dos Santos unleashed a stunning strike from distance to restore the visitors’ lead.
But Kuwait SC refused to surrender. Just three minutes later, Ammouri delivered a moment of magic, curling a spectacular effort from outside the box into the net to level the score once again and breathe life back into the hosts.
The decisive breakthrough came in the 110th minute when veteran striker Yousef Al-Sulaiman rose highest to power home a pinpoint cross from Mohammad Daham, completing an unforgettable comeback and sparking wild celebrations among Kuwait SC supporters.
Kuwait SC then managed the closing stages with composure and determination before the final whistle confirmed a historic continental triumph.
The Kuwaiti champions had stormed into the final after topping a difficult group featuring Al-Seeb Club, Al-Ansar FC and Bashundhara Kings, before defeating Al-Shabab Club in the quarterfinals and Muras United in the semifinals.
The victory marks another golden chapter in the proud legacy of Kuwait SC and reinforces the club’s growing stature on the Asian stage.
