The Crown Prince trophy.

KUWAIT CITY, May 18: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah will patronize and attend the final match of the 31st edition of the Crown Prince Cup this evening. The much-anticipated clash between Kuwait Club and Al-Arabi will kick off at 7:00 pm at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

Kuwait Club enters the final to reaffirm its superiority over Al-Arabi, having defeated them twice in the Zain Premier League this season, most recently with a 2-1 comeback win last week in the championship group’s final round. The “Whites” also secured a 2-0 victory in the first phase of the league before playing to a goalless draw in the return match.

Kuwait Club has been dominant this season, successfully defending their league title for the fourth consecutive year — the 20th in the club’s history. They also clinched the Super Cup earlier in the season by overcoming Al-Qadsia on penalties (7-6), after a 1-1 draw.

Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovović is hoping to continue his strong run with the team and claim his third title with Kuwait Club. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead, especially against an Al-Arabi side determined to bounce back and secure its first domestic title this season.

Jovović will rely on a talented roster that includes Saud Al-Hoshan, Fahad Al-Hajri, Malek Zola, Amin Abu Al-Fath, Mishari Ghannam, Mohammed Farih, Reda Hani, Yahya Jabran, Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Amr Abdel-Fattah, Yassin Al-Khenisi, Yousef Nasser, and Mohammed Marhoon.

The fitness of key players Sami Al-Sanea and Ali Hussein remains uncertain, as both missed recent training sessions due to injury. Nonetheless, the coach remains confident in his squad's depth and ability to fill any potential gaps.

On the opposing side, Al-Arabi is eager to secure victory after narrowly missing out on the league title in the final round. Head coach Nasser Al-Shatti is well aware that winning tonight requires relentless effort and focus, especially against a seasoned opponent.

Despite the absence of Hassan Hamdan (suspension) and Khaled Al-Marshed (injury), Al-Shatti has a strong lineup at his disposal. The likely starting eleven includes goalkeeper Suleiman Abdul Ghafoor, along with Jumaa Aboud, Hamad Al-Qallaf, Sufyan Bouchar, and either Abdullah Ammar or Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi in defense. Midfield options include Mohammed Khaled, Hussein Ashkanani, Ali Aziz, Kamil Al-Aswad, and Jumaa Aboud in a defensive role. The attacking line could feature Hamza Khaba, Emmanuel Iwala, Christopher John, Ali Khalaf, Bandar Al-Salama, and Yousef Majed.

With both teams determined to lift the trophy, tonight’s final promises an exciting and competitive showdown in front of a passionate crowd and under the patronage of the Crown Prince.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff