Kuwait Vs Lebanon Player Ratings: A Tactical Stalemate Ends in a Goalless Draw 0-0

Football always brings drama, and this friendly clash was no different. Lebanon met Kuwait on September 2, 2025. This tactical battle ultimately ended in a goalless draw. The Kuwait vs Lebanon match felt a bit boring, although the match was an international friendly, with both Kuwait and Lebanon focusing on defensive shape over attacking flair. Neither manager seemed willing to risk defeat for a chance at victory.

What stood out during the game was the sheer dominance of both sides' defensive lines. They completely nullified any attacking threat coming their way. The midfield was overcrowded, as they were tirelessly running back and forth, but couldn't find a single goal-scoring ball. Forwards on both ends were left frustrated as they couldn't capitalize on half-chances for the entire ninety minutes.

While the fans present were hoping for goals, they were left disappointed. Kuwait showed a little more ambition in the final third, but lacked a scoring edge. Lebanon will be the happier of the two teams, securing a solid clean sheet away from home and looking incredibly solid at the back. It was a game that promised much but, in the end, delivered very little in terms of excitement.

Kuwait Player Ratings vs Lebanon

Goalkeeper

Sulaiman Abdulghafour - 7.0: The Kuwaiti goalie had a quiet evening. He claimed a few crosses with confidence. Even his ball distribution was quick and accurate. He was even seen trying to launch counterattacks that never quite capitalized in the final third. Still, managed to keep his concentration well for a clean sheet.

Defenders

Fahad Al-Hajeri - 8.5: Probably the best player on the field and our man of the match. An absolutely colossal performance at the heart of the defence. He won every aerial duel, and his reading of the game was sublime. He made a couple of interceptions.

Khaled Ebrahim - 7.5: Formed a formidable partnership with Al-Hajeri. While his partner took the limelight, Ebrahim was just as effective in his duties. He was strong in the tackle and positioned himself perfectly time and again.

Dhari Abdullah - 7.0: Abdullah worked tirelessly at the right flank with great energy. He was defensively sound, not allowing Lebanon’s wingers any space to move forward. He tried to get forward and support the attack, but his crosses were often lacking.

Mahdi Dashti - 6.5: More reserved performance on the left. He was solid defensively, rarely beaten by his man. However, he could have offered more going forward to help break the deadlock. Still a steady outing for the left-back.

Midfielders

Abdullah Al-Buloushi - 6.0: Al-Buloushi played as a deep-lying midfielder, tasked with breaking up play. He worked tirelessly and covered a lot of ground. His passing was simple and accurate, keeping possession ticking over without ever really penetrating the opposition lines.

Fawaz Al-Otaibi - 5.5: The Kuwaiti midfielder had a frustrating night. He showed good energy in the first half but struggled to create an impact later on. His touch was loose, and he failed to provide the creative spark needed to break Lebanon's defence.

Eid Al-Rashidi - 6.0: Played in a more advanced role than usual but couldn't make the most of it. He found a couple of pockets of space but was quickly crowded out by the organized Lebanese midfield. The Kuwaiti attacking midfielder had one half-chance in the second half but couldn't get his shot away.

Forwards

Shabaib Al-Khaldi - 5.0: Al-Khaldi had a tough evening against Lebanon. He was completely isolated and was rarely seen on the ball. What stood out throughout the game was his body language; you could see the frustration building as the match wore on.

Yousef Nasser - 5.5: The 34-year-old Kuwaiti forward drifted out wide to try and find the ball. He showed a few neat touches but was easily dispossessed by the Lebanese defence. Nasser looked a bit off the pace and failed to link up effectively with his teammates.

Substitutes

Mobarak Al-Faneeni - 6.0: Came on to provide some fresh legs and a moment of magic in the final third. He showed some intent, but couldn't change the outcome.

Bader Al-Mutawa - N/A: Came on too late to have any meaningful impact on the match.

Manager

H. Dias de Sousa - 6.5: Set his team up to be defensively solid, and it worked perfectly. Kuwait never looked like conceding. However, the plan seemed to lack any real attacking threat. A clean sheet at home is positive, but the lack of creativity was an alarming issue.

Lebanon Player Ratings vs Kuwait

Goalkeeper

Mostafa Matar - 7.0: Matar had a relatively comfortable night. He was not forced into making any world-class saves but did everything required of him with calm authority. A well-earned clean sheet nonetheless.

Defenders

Hussein Zein - 8.0: Zein had an outstanding game against Kuwait. He was aggressive in the tackle and composed with the ball. The Lebanese defender read the game brilliantly throughout the night. Even stepping out to intercept passes and starting attacks from the back.

Kassem El Zein - 7.5: El Zein complemented his defensive partner perfectly. He was the more cautious of the two, sweeping up behind and ensuring there were no gaps for Kuwait’s forwards to exploit.

Nour Mansour - 7.0: A strong showing from the Lebanese full-back. He kept a close watch on Kuwait’s winger and gave him absolutely no room for error. He was tenacious and focused throughout the ninety minutes.

Maher Sabra - 7.0: Sabra was as efficient as his teammate on the opposite flank. He was strong in one-on-one situations and diligent in his tracking back.

Midfielders

Hassan Maatouk - 6.5: The veteran Lebanese midfielder worked tirelessly in the middle. He was constantly trying to make things happen. Even though he couldn't break the deadlock, his effort and leadership were undeniable.

Nader Matar - 6.0: Started dominantly with breaking up plays and shielding his defensive line effectively, but later on, couldn't do much going forward. His passing was decent, though he was struggling to connect the midfield with the attack.

Soony Saad - 5.5: Lacked composure throughout the ninety minutes. Was expected to be the main playmaker for Lebanon, but he was quiet the whole time. He struggled to find space and was often on the periphery of the game.

Forwards

Karim Darwich - 4.5: A quiet outing for the Lebanese striker. Darwich received almost no crucial balls in the final third. And he was easily handled by Kuwait's dominant centre-backs. He looked completely dejected by the end of the match.

Hilal El-Helwe - 5.0: Worked hard throughout the game, chased down defenders, but was fighting a losing battle. He was physically outmatched and couldn't hold the ball up.

Substitutes

Mohamad Haidar - 5.5: Haidar brought a little bit of energy but couldn't find the key to unlock the Kuwaiti defence.

Daniel Lajud - N/A: Introduced late in the game with not enough time to make a difference.

Manager

M. Radulović - 7.0: Radulovic will be pleased with this result. His tactical plan to frustrate Kuwait worked flawlessly. Lebanon was incredibly well-organized and disciplined from start to finish. While they offered next to nothing offensively, achieving such defensive solidity away from home is a major accomplishment.