The player sits injured during the Khaitan and Kazma match.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 14: Kuwait Club kicks off its Amir Cup title defense today against Al Jazeera at 4:45 pm at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, while Al-Arabi faces Al-Sahel at 7:45 pm at Naif Al-Dabbous Stadium in the final preliminary-round fixtures.

Although Kuwait Club holds a clear advantage on paper, it remains wary of potential surprises that often define knockout competitions.

The Whites continue to impress domestically, sitting nine points clear at the top of the Zain Premier League with ten rounds remaining as it chases a fifth straight title. It has also secured a place in the Crown Prince Cup final, underlining its strong season.

Al Jazeera, meanwhile, seeks to produce a competitive display similar to its First Division form, where it currently occupies fourth place, six points behind leader Al-Sahel.

Al-Arabi enters its clash aiming to rediscover momentum after a difficult spell. The “Green” endured back-to-back 1-0 league defeats to Kuwait Club and Kazma, settled for a 1-1 draw with Al-Fahaheel, and fell 4-3 to Al-Qadsia in the Super Cup semifinal.

Al-Sahel, sitting atop the First Division standings, looks to capitalize on Al-Arabi’s inconsistency and secure a quarterfinal berth.

Kazma suffered another cup setback, echoing its earlier Crown Prince Cup elimination. After losing to Al-Sulaibikhat on penalties following a 2-2 draw, it once again exited via shootout — this time against Khaitan, which prevailed 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Naif Al-Dabbous Stadium.

Khaitan’s young goalkeeper Barak Al-Enezi emerged as the match hero, saving three penalties after replacing the injured Ahmad Al-Dosari in the second half.

Khaitan now awaits the winner of the Al-Arabi versus Al-Sahel encounter.

Elsewhere, Al-Tadamon secured a 1-0 victory over Jahra at Al-Sadaqa and Al-Salam Stadium. Hamed Al-Rashidi netted the decisive goal, finishing a pass from his brother Fahad just three minutes before the end of extra time to send his side through.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff