KUWAIT CITY, March 3:Al-Qadisiya luminary Badr Al-Mutawa has matched the goal-scoring record set by Syrian striker Firas Al-Khatib in Kuwaiti League matches. Al-Mutawa achieved this feat by netting the winning goal against Al-Salmiya in the seventeenth round of the Zain Premier League, bringing his tally to an impressive 162 goals.

Now, Al-Mutawa stands just one goal away from surpassing Al-Khatib's record. The anticipated moment is on the horizon as "Al-Yellow" gears up for a showdown against Al-Shabab in the eighteenth round this week. Additionally, Al-Qadisiya is set to compete in the Championship League (Big Six), engaging in 10 matches in a home-and-away format.

At 39 years old, Al-Mutawa has solidified his status as a football star over the past two decades, leaving an indelible mark on Kuwaiti football. Despite not starting in most recent seasons, his impact as a substitute has been profound. His contributions were exemplified in the recent match against Al-Salmiya, where he came on in the second half, creating multiple opportunities before sealing the victory with a confidently executed penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

With these three crucial points, Al-Qadisiya reenters the title race after an eight-season hiatus, closely trailing Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club in the standings.

Al-Mutawa has notched an impressive 300 career goals with Al-Qadisiya across local, Gulf, Arab, and Asian tournaments since his debut in the 2002-2003 season. Achieving this milestone requires determination, persistence, and patience—qualities embodied by "Badr Al-Qadisiya."

While "Badran's" goal holds great significance for Al-Qadisiya enthusiasts and football fans at large, it symbolizes more than individual achievement. It represents the team's collective aspiration to reclaim podium positions after a six-season absence across various tournaments. The ardent hope is to witness "Al-Yellow" once again dominating championships, reminiscent of their early success in the new millennium.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff