Players fighting for the ball during the preliminary match.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 22: Arab handball fans are eagerly anticipating the key quarter-final match between Kuwait and Al-Ahli Bank of Egypt at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex Hall tonight at 8:15 pm in the 39th Arab Handball Clubs Champions Championship, currently taking place in Kuwait until September 26.

The significance of this match stems from Kuwait Club being the defending champion, having defeated the Ahli Bank of Egypt 29-27 in the semi-finals of the previous tournament. Kuwait Club went on to claim the title by narrowly defeating Zamalek 31-30 in the final held in Dammam, marking its first Arab championship win. Now, Ahli Bank of Egypt k of Egypt is looking for revenge and hopes to prevent Kuwait Club from progressing further in the tournament, while Kuwait Club aims to defend its title. Al-Gharafa from Qatar will face Al-Karkh from Iraq at 2:00 pm, followed by Al-Salmiya against Al-Hashd from Iraq at 4:00 pm. At 6:15, Al-Qadisiya will take on Al-Ahli from Qatar.

In the preliminary round matches held recently, Al-Gharafa defeated Al-Hashd 37-29, Al-Salmiya triumphed over Al-Karkh 38-29, and Al-Qadisiya won against Maliha from the UAE 35-23. The Kuwait Club also secured a win against Al-Ahli of Qatar with a score of 32-25. The teams advancing to the quarter-finals include Kuwait, Al-Ahli, Al-Karkh, and Al-Salmiya from Group One, while Al-Ahli Bank, Al-Gharafa, Al-Qadisiya, and Al-Hashd qualify from Group Two.

Former athletes have lauded the high technical standards and intense competition displayed by clubs in this year’s championship. They emphasized that the event showcases significant progress in Arab handball, with expectations for continued improvement in the coming years.

Former national coach Salem Mahmoud expressed his enjoyment of the tournament, highlighting the presence of many professional players with exceptional skills. He noted that Kuwait Club and Al-Gharafa SC stand out as strong contenders for the final due to their experienced line-ups and cohesive teamwork.

Naif Al-Rundi, a former player and current youth team coach, remarked on the impressive technical level of the teams, attributing much of this to the professionals who have raised the overall standard of play. He encouraged Kuwaiti fans to support their teams by attending the matches in large numbers.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff