Al-Arabi thrashes Qadsia 3-0 to revive title hopes

KUNA photo Al Arabi and Al Qadsia players posing for a group photo before the proceedings.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2: Al-Arabi delivered a commanding performance to claim a 3-0 derby victory over arch-rivals Qadsia in the seventh round of the Zain Premier League at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, breathing new life into its title campaign.

Bosnian coach Darko Nestorovic, overseeing his second game in charge this season, got his tactics spot on as the Green secured all three points with an impressive display.

Nestorovic has now guided Al-Arabi to both of its victories this season, following its 2-0 success over Fahaheel in the previous round. His side remained compact and disciplined in the first half before stepping up the pressure after the break and scoring three unanswered goals.

The convincing result delighted Al-Arabi's supporters, who saw their team rediscover its confidence and strengthen its hopes of competing for the league title.

Qadsia, meanwhile, struggled to find a way past Al-Arabi's organized defence and goalkeeper Ahmed Adi, despite enjoying considerable possession and controlling much of the first-half action.

The Yellow also lacked attacking sharpness after the interval, with foreign players Hamza Khabba, Ayoub Lakhdar and Nasser Al-Rawahi failing to make the expected impact. Qadsia coach Mohammed Ibrahim was also unable to make the necessary tactical adjustments as his side struggled to cope with Al-Arabi's defensive organization.

Following a tightly contested first half, Al-Arabi broke the deadlock immediately after the restart, with Ali Khalaf scoring in the 46th minute. Anabo Ewoala extended the lead in the 65th minute before substitute Bandar Al-Salama completed the scoring five minutes later.

The victory took Al-Arabi to nine points in sixth place, while Qadsia remained third with 12 points.

In another seventh-round match, Jahra pulled off a surprise 3-0 victory over Fahaheel at Mubarak Al-Ayar Stadium.

The result lifted Jahra to seven points, while Fahaheel stayed on nine.

Al-Arabi team manager Abdullah Al-Hayeri said derby encounters between Al-Arabi and Qadsia are difficult to predict, stressing that the players' high level of concentration was a major factor behind the victory.

He praised Nestorovic's coaching abilities and his effective handling of the players, adding that the squad had been determined to put its disappointing start to the season behind it.

Al-Hayeri said the players were eager to produce performances worthy of the club's history and supporters. He also thanked the fans for their continued backing, apologized for the team's earlier setbacks and pledged that everyone would work hard to restore the winning momentum and make the supporters happy.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff