When a tense semifinal seemed destined to fizzle out, Christopher John lit the fuse that brought Al Arabi roaring to life.
But his strike wasn’t just a goal—it was a huge statement, Footballrover reports.
Now, with a strong lead in the AFC Challenge League, the Kuwaiti side has one foot in the final, and all eyes are on the return leg.
Christopher John strikes when it matters most
After a frustrating goalless first half at the Sulaibikhat Stadium, Arabi struggled to find a breakthrough against a stubborn Arkadag defence.
But it only took one moment of brilliance from John to break the deadlock.
In the 70th minute, the 21-year-old midfielder showed great composure to fire home and give the hosts the lead they desperately needed.
It was John’s fourth goal contribution of the season—two goals in the AFC Challenge League and two in the Kuwait Premier League—coming in just 12 matches across all competitions.
His influence has been growing steadily, and this latest performance proved exactly why he’s becoming indispensable.
Anayo Iwuala
Al Arabi seal it late, but Christopher John was the catalyst
Though Christopher was substituted ten minutes after his strike, his impact had already set the tone.
As the clock ticked into added time, Salman Al Awadi hammered in a second goal in the 93rd minute, sealing a 2-0 victory for Al Arabi and leaving Arkadag reeling.
Anayo Iwuala also featured in the match, adding attacking depth to the Kuwaiti side.
With the return leg set for April 16, Arabi will look to maintain their edge and secure a spot in the AFC Challenge League final.
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