Players battling for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, May 14: Al-Jahra will seek to secure promotion to the Zain Premier League when it faces Al-Sahel tonight at 7:10 pm at Abdullah Al-Khalifa Stadium, in Round 19 of the Zain First Division League. In a second fixture, Al-Shabab hosts Burgan in Ahmadi at 8:15 pm, while Al-Sulaibikhat has a bye this round.

Al-Jahra currently leads the standings with 22 points, two ahead of second-placed Al-Sulaibikhat (20 points), while Al-Shabab and Burgan are tied in third with 19 points. Al-Sahel sits at the bottom of the table with just 12 points and is already out of the promotion race.

A win tonight would mathematically guarantee Al-Jahra’s promotion to the top flight, regardless of their upcoming final-round clash with Al-Sulaibikhat on Sunday. With one match in hand compared to their direct competitors, the “Sons of the Red Palace” are in the driver's seat.

Al-Jahra enters the match as the strong favorite, given the significant gap in form and motivation between the two teams. Al-Sahel, having lost its competitive edge, has little left to play for. Al-Jahra also boasts a perfect record this season against the “Sons of Abu Halifa,” winning all three previous encounters (1-0 twice and 3-1 once).

In the second game, Al-Shabab faces a must-win scenario to keep its promotion hopes alive. Even with a victory, the team’s fate hinges on favorable results in the final round, especially from matches involving Al-Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Jahra and Burgan vs. Al-Sahel.

Burgan remains a strong contender for a promotion spot, thanks to its two remaining matches, unlike Al-Sulaibikhat and Al-Shabab. A win over Al-Shabab would significantly boost their chances, while a draw would delay their hopes to the final round.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff