Al-Arabi stumbles in AFC Challenge League

Al-Arabi player challenges an opponent for the ball during Al-Arabi match against Homs.

HISOR, Tajikistan, Oct 17: Al-Arabi suffered a 1-0 defeat to Syria’s Homs Al-Fidaa at Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan in their opening Group B match of the AFC Challenge League.

The Kuwaiti side will look to bounce back when it faces Tajikistan’s Istiklol in its second group-stage fixture, before wrapping up its campaign against Lebanon’s Nejmeh next Friday.

Meanwhile, the fifth round of the Zain Premier League gets underway today with two matches.

Fahaheel takes on Al-Shabab in the “Tenth District Derby” at Nayef Al-Dabbous Stadium at 5:40 pm, before Al-Nasr hosts Al-Tadamon in the “Farwaniya Derby” at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 7:55 pm.

The round continues on Sunday with Kuwait Club facing Al-Sulaibikhat and Al-Jahra meeting Kazma. The matches between Al-Salmiya and Al-Arabi, and Qadsia and Al-Sahel, have been postponed because of Al-Arabi’s and Qadsia’s participation in the AFC Challenge League.

Fahaheel, sixth in the standings with six points, will aim to extend its winning run and secure a third consecutive victory. However, it faces a tough test against fourth-placed Al-Shabab, who has seven points and head into the match on the back of a 2-0 win over Al-Salmiya in the previous round.

In the second fixture, fifth-placed Al-Nasr, also on six points, will seek to return to winning ways after dropping points in its last two outings. Coach Dhaher Al-Adwani will be eager to halt the slide and guide his side to a victory that would strengthen its position in the standings.

Al-Tadamon, meanwhile, will be determined to claim its first win of the season and move away from the foot of the table.

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff