Kazma player heads the ball past Al-Arabi goalkeeper during the Zain Premier League match.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 8: Kuwait Club continues its march toward a fifth consecutive Zain Premier League title and the 21st in its history, despite a 1–1 draw with Al-Qadsia last Friday in the 13th round. The team’s lead widened after direct rival Al-Arabi stumbled, losing 0–1 to Kazma.

With 33 points and 10 rounds remaining (five in the group stage and five in the “Super Six”), Kuwait Club holds a nine-point advantage over Al-Arabi. While plenty can still happen in the remaining rounds, including shifts in the battle between Al-Qadsia and Al-Arabi, current form suggests no team can stop “Al-Abyad” from claiming the crown.

Kuwait Club dropped points against Al-Qadsia, but Al-Arabi failed to capitalize at home, continuing its struggle and widening the gap to the league leader, diminishing its title hopes. Al-Qadsia, meanwhile, put in a strong performance, reducing its gap with Al-Arabi to just two points.

Kazma, sitting fourth with 21 points, benefited most from this round by indirectly aiding Kuwait Club. It y can move into second place if it defeats Al-Tadamon in its postponed 10th-round match.

Al-Salmiya, fifth with 20 points, secured a narrow 1–0 win over Al-Jahra in the first official match under Bahraini coach Ali Ashour, moving away from the relegation zone.

“The Sons of the Red Palace” dropped to ninth place, remaining on seven points. In the “10th District Derby,” neither side gained much from their 1–1 draw, with Al-Fahaheel slipping to sixth (18 points) and Al-Shabab to seventh (15 points).

In the “Farwaniya Derby,” Al-Nasr turned the tables on Al-Tadamon, winning 3–1 and moving into eighth place with nine points after a long spell at the bottom. Al-Tadamon fell to last place with six points, prompting the resignation of their technical and administrative staff. Bosnian coach Igor has been appointed to replace national coach Maher Al-Shammari.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff