RIYADH (Saudi Arabia), Jan 17: Defending champions Kuwait produced a compelling fightback to hold favourites Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw in the opening Gulf Cup match Wednesday.

Saudi striker and captain Sami al-Jabar put his team in front in the 15th minute but Kuwait equalised through Jasim al-Humaidi on 48 minutes in a fast-paced match.

The Saudis, in upbeat mood after reaching the World Cup finals, dominated most of the first half but the Kuwaiti defenders kept their cool to thwart a wave of attacks.

Kuwait, coached by German Berti Vogts, well full of fresh ideas in the second half and met with immediate success when al-Humaidi cancelled out al-Jaber’s goal.

results

Coventry 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2

Rotherham 2 Southampton 1

Stockport 1 Bolton Wanderers 4

Third round replays:

Blackburn Rovers 3 Barnsley (I) 1

Chelsea 4 Norwich (I) 0

Played on Tuesday:

Third round:

Brighton 0 Preston 2

Crewe 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Darlington 2 Peterborough 2

Third round replays:

Fulham 1 Wycombe 0

Middlesbrough 2 Wimbledon 0

York 1 Grimsby 0

—Reuters