A file photo of Al-Qadsiya players celebrate with the Amir Cup

KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Al-Qadsiya begins its title defense in the Amir Cup against Burgan at 7:10 pm at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium in a rescheduled preliminary round clash. The match was postponed due to Al-Qadsiya's participation in the Gulf Champions League, where the “Yellows” reached the final but fell short, losing 2-1 to Iraq’s Duhok in the second leg after a 1-1 draw in the first.

Now, Al-Qadsiya is aiming to bounce back with a strong start in the Amir Cup following a season marked by domestic setbacks. The team was knocked out of the Zain Premier League title race—having not lifted the league trophy in nine seasons—and exited the Crown Prince Cup semifinals after a narrow loss to Al-Arabi. Additionally, it suffered a heartbreaking Super Cup final defeat to Kuwait Club, losing 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Despite finishing third in both the Crown Prince Cup and the league, the team’s inconsistency, capped by a heavy 7-3 defeat to Al-Fahaheel in the league’s final round, has raised questions about the coaching staff led by Montenegrin coach Zeljko Petrovic, whose contract ends in May. Petrovic has stated he will remain with the team only if they reach the Amir Cup final, scheduled for June 16. The quarterfinals will take place on Sunday, with the semifinals on May 29.

Adding to the uncertainty, goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi is reportedly set to join Kuwait Club, while fellow player Ali Jarrah is close to a move to Kazma next season.

Despite being the favorite on paper, Petrovic warned against complacency, acknowledging that cup competitions often deliver surprises. He called for full focus and effort from his squad as they look to retain the country's most prestigious football title.

Meanwhile, Burgan enters the match with hopes of pulling off an upset. After missing out on Premier League qualification—finishing fourth in the Zain First Division League—the team will be looking to prove itself in the Amir Cup with a bold performance.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff