Doha: UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu praised his team after a 3-1 win over Kuwait at Stadium 974, securing a quarterfinal spot. He said the team delivered a strong performance, overcame absences, and found the solutions needed to advance, adding that the result of the Jordan vs Egypt match also helped their qualification. Olaroiu stressed confidence in his squad's ability to grow stronger in the tournament.
According to Qatar News Agency, Kuwait coach Helio Sousa expressed disappointment after his side's early elimination. He said Kuwait wasted key chances, fought back in the second half, but the third UAE goal ended their hopes. Despite the exit, he said he remains proud of his players, noting clear improvements and a rise in the FIFA rankings. Sousa emphasised the importance of mental preparation and said the team aims to correct mistakes and return better in future competitions.