KUWAIT, Nov 14 (KUNA) -- Kuwait climbed to second in their football World Cup qualifying Asian group after a thumping 9-0 triumph over Taiwan at Al-Kuwait Stadium on Thursday with goals from Yousef Naser and captain Bader Al-Mutawa.
The result comes amid a successful return to competitive participation following a three-year global ban after two wins and a draw out of four matches, including a 7-0 thrashing of Nepal.
It also witnessed the first competitive match led by interim Kuwaiti coach, Thamer Enad, after the sacking of Croat Romeo Jozak in September.
Five points adrift of Group B leaders Australia (12 points), Kuwait have so far bagged seven points, amassing a 13-goal advantage over Jordan, who are equal on points.
Al-Kuwait striker Naser opened the hosts' account in the 21st minute after a cleverly executed pass from midfielder Mubarak Al-Finini, who also got on the scoresheet, before adding another six minutes into the second half.
Team captain and talisman, Bader Al-Motawaa scored in the 55th minute, with the remaining goals coming from Fahad Al-Ansari, Faisal Zayed, Shabib Al-Khaldi, substitute Faisal Ajab and an unfortunate own goal by Taiwan centre-back Wei-Chuan Chen.
Kuwait fly to Nepal on Tuesday ahead of two difficult fixtures away to Australia and against Jordan in Kuwait in late March, next year. (end) fr.sd