KUWAIT CITY, Jan 25: The 62nd edition of the Amir Cup kicks off today, featuring two preliminary round matches. The first match at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium sees Al-Arabi facing Al-Sulaibikhat at 4:30 pm, followed by the clash between Al-Nasr and Al-Sahel at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 7:45 pm.

Tomorrow's action completes the preliminary round with two more matches. Al-Fahaheel meets Al-Shabab at 4:30 pm at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, while Al-Qadisiya takes on Yarmouk at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 7:45 pm.

The day after tomorrow, two more matches are scheduled. Al-Salmiya faces Khaitan at 4:30 pm at the Friendship and Peace Stadium, and Kazma plays against Burgan at Thamer Stadium at 7:45 pm. The round concludes next Monday with a single match between Al-Jahra and Solidarity rally at Nasser Al-Osaimi Stadium at 5:50 pm.

Defending champion Kuwait is exempt from the preliminary round, awaiting the winner between Al-Jahra and Al-Tadamon in the quarter-finals starting next Thursday.Al-Kuwait, Al-Qadisiya, and Al-Arabi top the list of most title wins, each securing it 16 times. Kazma holds 8 titles, Al-Salmiya and Yarmouk each won twice, while Al-Fahaheel claimed the title once.

In the first match, Al-Arabi is favored over Al-Sulaibikhat due to their higher ranking and capabilities. Al-Arabi strengthened its squad with Tunisian Ayman and Algerian Imad Eddine Boubacar. In the second clash, Al-Nasr aims to continue its positive season against Al-Sahel.Tomorrow, Al-Qadisiya, under new coach Dr. Muhammad Al-Mashaan, faces Yarmouk. In the second match, Al-Fahaheel and Al-Shabab are evenly matched in the "Tenth District Derby."

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff