In this file photo, an Al-Arabi player attempts to curl the ball over the defensive wall.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 18: The fifth round of the Zain Premier League wraps up today with two key fixtures. Kuwait Club visits Al-Shabab at Al-Ahmadi Stadium at 5:40 PM, while Al-Arabi hosts Al-Salmiya at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 7:55 PM.

The round kicked off on Friday with Al-Jahra claiming its first victory of the season, defeating Al-Fahaheel 1–0 thanks to a goal by Fahad Ayed, bringing its tally to 4 points, equal to that of Al-Tadamon.

In today’s opener, Kuwait Club, leading the league with 10 points, aims to maintain its winning form and secure a fourth consecutive victory. The team is also preparing for upcoming Asian Challenge League Group B matches, which start next Saturday and feature Al-Seeb (Oman), Al-Ansar (Lebanon), and Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh). Meanwhile, Al-Shabab, with 7 points, seeks to continue its strong performance and remain competitive.

In the second fixture, Al-Salmiya, currently with 9 points, hopes to claim a crucial win in Mansouriya to keep its title hopes alive after more than 25 years without a league crown. The “Sky Blues” aim for their fourth straight victory, signaling their intent to compete for the title.

Al-Arabi, with 8 points, looks to secure another win after recording two draws and two wins so far. A victory would boost the team’s confidence ahead of its journey to Kyrgyzstan for the Asian Challenge League, where it will compete in Group C against Regar-TadAZ (Tajikistan), Al-Safa (Lebanon), and Muras United (Kyrgyzstan), with matches set to begin next Saturday.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff