Al-Arabi player tries to find the net.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: Al-Arabi brought Kuwait Club’s perfect streak to a halt with a thrilling 37-35 victory in the closing match of Round 13 of the Handball Premier League on Monday. In the same round, Burgan claimed a narrow 36-34 win over Kazma.

Despite the setback, Kuwait Club continues to lead the standings with 23 points. Burgan climbed to second place on 18 points, while Kazma remains third, ahead on goal difference from Al-Arabi (fourth) and Al-Qadsia (fifth), all tied on 14 points. Al-Salmiya sits sixth with 10 points, followed by Al-Sulaibikhat in seventh with seven points, and Al-Nasr at the bottom with two points.

Kuwait Club was affected by the suspension of itsmain goalkeepers, brothers Ali and Hassan Safar. Even so, the “White” produced a solid attacking display, with Saif Al-Adwani, Montenegrin professional Vladan, and Qatari star Frankis leading the charge through sharp penetrations and effective finishing from both backcourt and wing positions.

Al-Arabi, however, took full advantage of the goalkeeping absences. Guided by Tunisian standout Osama Al-Jaziri and Estonian sharpshooter Dener, the “Green” executed disciplined, well-structured attacks, with powerful long-range strikes proving decisive in sealing the win.

In the second encounter, Kazma’s hopes were dented early after Tunisian professional Mohamed Farad and winger Ibrahim Al-Amir exited with injuries before the midway point of the first half. The disruption allowed Burgan to control proceedings and head into halftime with a 17-14 advantage.

Burgan later suffered an injury blow to its Croatian professional Stipe in the second half, which gave Kazma renewed momentum and helped it edge ahead 33-32 with five minutes left on the clock.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff