NMI falls to host Kuwait, 0-6

The NMI U20 Men’s National Soccer Team fell to host Kuwait, 0-6, at the start of their campaign in the Asian Football Confederation U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers last Sunday in Salmiya, Kuwait.

In Group C, the NMI team is facing off against strong contenders as they try to put up a fight, keep calm, and play on.

The Kuwait team fired on all cylinders early on as the NMI team conceded a goal just a minute in to Kuwait’s Eid Al Ruqbah. Kuwait then doubled up the lead with another goal by Turki Alyousef in the sixth minute.

Kuwait went on to score two more goals in the first half while the young NMI team shook off the dirt and regrouped for the second half.

But try as they might, the NMI was no match to Kuwait’s overall prowess on the pitch. They could not find an opening despite strenuous efforts offensively, and were held down by Kuwait’s impenetrable defense with the clock winding down.

The NMI created some chances at the goal but came up empty, and they went on to concede just two more goals to Alyousef who completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute.

Today, the NMI team faces off against the United Arab Emirates before they go up against South Korea on Thursday, Sept. 26. The NMI concludes their campaign against Lebanon on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Team manager Mikky Vargas said of their first match, “It was a great challenge, particularly in the opening 15 minutes, as the boys worked to adjust to Kuwait’s speed, physicality, and overall playing quality. We conceded an early goal, which shook us a bit, but as the game progressed, the boys started to find their rhythm. They grew more comfortable with the intensity, created a few attacking opportunities, and managed to hold Kuwait to only two additional goals in the second half.”

“Though the score does not reflect the fight the boys put up, the coaching staff commended their efforts and resilience to push until the final whistle, and we are proud of their determination to represent the NMI with heart and grit,” she said.

For today’s matchup at 12:30am Chamorro Standard Time, she said, “UAE is expected to be an even tougher opponent than Kuwait, but the boys are eager to take on the challenge. They have learned valuable lessons from the first match and are ready to apply them as they step onto the field again.”

Vargas then said, “Thank you once again for your unwavering support—it means the world to the team. They’re carrying your energy with them every time they step on the field, and we can’t wait to make you all proud.”

Published by Saipan Tribune - Sep 24, 2024