The Crown Prince Cup trophy stands ready at the stadium.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 3: The 32nd edition of the Crown Prince Cup kicks off today with two preliminary-round matches. Al-Nasr faces Al-Sahel at Al-Sadaqa wa Al-Salam Stadium at 4:10 PM, followed by Al-Sulaibikhat against Kazma at 7:10 PM at Nasser Al-Othaimi Stadium.

Other first-round fixtures include Al-Fahaheel versus Al-Jazeera and Burgan against Al-Jahra on Monday. Tuesday sees defending champions Kuwait Club begin its campaign against Khaitan, while Al-Salmiya meets Al-Tadamon. The preliminary round concludes on Wednesday, with Al-Arabi taking on Al-Yarmouk and Al-Qadsia facing Al-Shabab.

Kuwait Club leads the list of the tournament’s most successful clubs with 10 titles, one more than Al-Qadsia and Al-Arabi. Al-Salmiya has won the cup twice, while Kazma has claimed it once.

In the opening clash, Al-Nasr and Al-Sahel come in with contrasting form. Al-Nasr, nicknamed “Al-Anabi,” struggles in the Zain Premier League, sitting at the bottom with only four points from 30, leaving it in theoretical danger of relegation.

Al-Sahel, on the other hand, tops the Zain First Division and has been in strong form in the cup so far.

In the second match, Kazma aims to secure a win and contend for the title — the only cup it has won. Al-Sulaibikhat hopes to capitalize on its solid First Division performance, currently in third place, five points behind leaders Al-Sahel and three points behind second-placed Al-Yarmouk, as it chases promotion and cup glory.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff