Both teams were even in terms of offensive play, with Kuwait having a slight upper hand in possession and shots at target.

Kuwait will take on Afghanistan next on Saturday while Macau will have a tough time when they play two-time champions Japan.

Japan started their qualification bid with a clinical performance as they beat Afghanistan 3-0.

Japan, who also won the title in 2016, grabbed their first goal in the seventh minute through midfielder Shion Shinkawa .

The Afghanistan defence stood firm against their opponents’ attacks until the 42nd minute, when Gaku Nawata got the better of keeper Hamid Amiri.

Afghanistan’s woes were compounded when goalkeeper Hamid Amiri was sent off in the 89th minute with Keisuke Goto slotting home Japan’s third in stoppage time.