Kazma strengthens grip on 2nd as Qadsia moves into third in Zain Premier League

KUWAIT CITY, May 16: Kazma strengthened its position in second place in the Zain Premier League after securing a 2-0 victory over Al-Shabab in their Round 15 encounter at Al-Shabab Stadium.

The win lifted Kazma’s tally to 27 points, putting it ahead of Al-Arabi, who remains on 23 points with a postponed match against Al-Tadamon scheduled for next Thursday.

Kazma also cut the gap separating it from league leaders and defending champion Kuwait Club to nine points, although “The Whites” still have a postponed fixture against Al-Fahaheel to play next week.

Al-Shabab, meanwhile, stayed on 15 points and faces increasing pressure in the battle to avoid the relegation stage if poor results continue.

In another key match, Al-Qadsia came from behind to defeat Al-Salmiya 2-1, moving into third place with 25 points. Al-Salmiya remained on 23 points and slipped to fifth in the standings.

Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul used the match to give several young players a chance to shine, and their performances gave Al-Qadsia supporters optimism about the club’s future.

Elsewhere, Al-Nasr continued its positive run with a 2-0 win over Al-Jahra, moving level with Al-Shabab on 15 points in seventh place.

Al-Jahra remained at the bottom of the standings with seven points and is now facing a difficult fight to escape danger.

The Kuwait Football Association has also approved changes to the league calendar, with only three rounds set to be played before the end of May.

Round 16 will be held on May 23, 24, and 25, followed by Round 17 on May 28, 29, and 31, while Round 18 will be postponed until the beginning of next season.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff