Both sides came into the tie with victory in mind with Afghanistan having the better opportunities with Najim Haidary sending a clever pass into the six-yard-box for Rahmat Akbari who, however, failed to make the most of the chance.

Afghanistan came even closer in the 38th minute when Mosawer Ahadi’s cross was met with a glancing header from Akbar, with the ball eluding Kuwait keeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoor but not the right post.

Despite having won the reverse fixture 4-0 in November, Kuwait barely troubled Afghanistan and had another narrow escape in first half added time when Taufee Skandari lost his marker at the edge of the area before sending a powerful low drive which brought the best out of Abdulghafoor.

Kuwait stepped up a notch after the break with Mohammad Daham and Bader Tareq, who came on as a 46th minute substitute, causing problems for Afghanistan with the latter keeping Abdulghafoor on his toes.

Tareq first tested Abdulghafoor in the 62nd minute with an effort from inside the box before Daham set him up nicely from distance to force a fine save.

Kuwait’s positive play finally bore fruit in the 81st minute when Daham beat his marker before finding substitute Rashedi to strike home the winner.