Al-Khatib directs his players.

KUWAIT CITY, May 4: Fahaheel’s Syrian coach, Firas Al-Khatib, voiced his disappointment after his team missed a crucial chance to compete for third place in the Zain Premier League. The setback came after a goalless draw against Al-Tadamon in their third-round match of the championship group, played the day before yesterday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

The draw left Fahaheel in fifth place with 31 points, trailing Al-Salmiya (33 points) in fourth and Al-Qadisiya (38 points) in third. Al-Tadamon, meanwhile, improved to 21 points, holding sixth place.

Al-Khatib acknowledged that Fahaheel entered the match with ambitions of overtaking Al-Salmiya for fourth place and eventually challenging Al-Qadisiya for third. "We aimed to beat Al-Tadamon to move up, but our players weren't at their best today," he said. "The forwards wasted several chances that could have changed the outcome."

He emphasized that Fahaheel always plays to win but admitted that even victories in their remaining two matches are unlikely to secure a top-three finish—and with it, a spot in next season’s international competitions. Al-Khatib confirmed that the team’s current focus has shifted toward the Amir’s Cup.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff