KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: Soccer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a fiery showdown between Kuwait and Al-Qadsia at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, scheduled for an electrifying evening kick-off at 8:28 pm.
Preceding this thrilling encounter, fans can catch another match between Khaitan and Kazma at 5:30 pm at Abdullah Al-Khalifa Stadium. This doubleheader marks the conclusion of the sixth round in the Zain Premier League.

This round carries the potential for a change in leadership. A defeat for “Al-Abyad” could cost them their top position, paving the way for a new contenders to ascend to the throne. “Al-Kuwait” have maintained their lead since the tournament’s inception in August.
“Al-Abyad” are currently grappling with a period of instability, both domestically and in Asian competitions. They recently drew with Khaitan 1-1 in the league and faced a setback in the AFC Cup, drawing 1-1 against the Syrian Al-Ahly Aleppo Union. This result knocked them from the top spot in their group.

Serbian coach Boris Bunjak, at the helm of “Al-Abyad,” recognizes the need to recalibrate the team’s performance and regain their winning form. Losing points, whether in domestic or international matches, is not an option, particularly as they are set to host the Syrian team in the fourth round of the Asian Championship next week.

On the flip side, Al-Qadsia, under the guidance of national coach Muhammad Ibrahim, aim to maintain their winning streak by securing their fourth victory in the tournament. They are keen to capitalize on their opponent’s current vulnerabilities and hand them their first defeat in the competition. Notably, “Yellow” struggled against their opponents last season, managing only one win against Kuwait with three draws in the league. “White” also triumphed in the Prince’s Cup semi-finals.
In the parallel fixture, Khaitan, currently holding 5 points, aim to capitalize on their opponents situation and secure their second victory in the tournament, a win that could keep them at a safe distance from the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Kazma, with 7 points, are determined to bounce back to the winning track after their recent setback, a 2-1 loss against Al-Shabab in the previous round.
The sixth round of the league commenced with a single match in which Al-Salmiya triumphed over Al-Shabab 2-1. The double by Brazilian Seba and Fawaz Ayed secured the victory, while the lone goal for Al-Shabab was netted by Colombian youth Carlos Rivas.

Al-Salmiya had 9 points, while Al-Shabab remained on 5 points. Al Salmiya took an early lead with Seba exploiting a defensive error and Ayed adding a second goal from close range inside the penalty area. Despite Al-Shabab’s efforts to narrow the gap, they managed to score only once, eight minutes before the end of the match.

Hassan Musa
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff