Laheeb strikes in Kuwait Club's win over Al Ahli

Faraj Laheeb struck five minutes into the second half to guide Kuwait Club to their first points in a Group C match against Dubai's Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League late on Wednesday.

Though the visitors looked superior on paper, the home team did just enough to win their first three points after as many matches in this competition.

After losing 1-0 at home to Qatar's Al Sadd and away to Neftchi (Uzbekistan), Theo Bucker's side knew they could not afford any further slip ups.

Making their solo appearance in this continental competition, Al Ahli should have been ahead at least by a couple of goals.

They took their time to settle down. And with their Iranian player Ali Karimi playing a more attacking role, Al Ahli threatened to break free time and again.

On the 19th minute, Ali Karimi made a deep run down the right, entered the box and relayed before the face of the goal.

However, Faisal Khalil who was following through, failed to connect cleanly and found the Kuwait Club goalkeeper in his way. Faisal Khalil got a clear look at the goal yet again, but his diving header failed to make its way past the Kuwaiti goalkeeper.

Karimi nearly turned provider in the 35th minute, this time switching position to the left. The Iranian did well to evade a lunging challenge from a Kuwait defender and pass to an unmarked Kabiro.

However, the Nigerian striker looked on in dismay as his shot ballooned over with the entire defence and goalkeeper caught napping with that Karimi pass.

Al Ahli continued to attack in the second half, but found themselves in arrears barely five minutes later, as Laheeb cleverly nudged in a cross from Walid Ali from the left.

Kuwait and Neftchi head Group C with six points each, while Al Ahli and Kuwait have three each.

Al Ahli continued to attack in the second half, but found themselves in arrears barely five minutes later as Laheeb cleverly nudged in a cross from Walid Ali from the left.