publish time

02/03/2024

author name Arab Times

publish time

02/03/2024

A file photo of Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club players showing sportsmanship.

KUWAIT CITY, March 2: Soccer enthusiasts' focus shifts to Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium as Kuwait Club and Al-Arabi clash in a crucial seventeenth-round match of the Zain Premier League at 7:35 pm today. Preceding this matchup is the faceoff between Kazma and Al-Fahaheel at the Friendship and Peace Stadium at 4:55 pm.

Al-Arabi, the league leader with 39 points, aims to achieve multiple objectives in this encounter. They seek to confirm their dominance over Kuwait Club after a convincing 3-0 victory in their previous meeting. Additionally, they aim to widen the point gap with their closest rivals, Kuwait Club (37 points), and surpass the forty-point milestone. Despite missing key players like Sultan Al-Enezi, Badr Tariq, Hassan Humaidan, and Saif Al-Hashan, Bosnian coach Darko Nestorovic has crafted a cohesive team that has successfully met its goals.

Darko understands the significance of a victory in extending the lead over competitors and defending champions. A loss, however, would be a setback, especially after their exit from the Amir Cup tournament. On the flip side, Kuwait Club has regained its form recently, clinching the Super Cup title by defeating Al-Qadisiya in the semi-finals and Kazma in the final with a score of 2-1. Kuwait Club has multiple aspirations for this match, including seeking revenge against Al- Arabi reclaiming the top spot, and advancing in their quest to retain the championship title.

It's noteworthy that Kuwait Club's defeat to Al-Arabi in the first division led to the departure of Serbian coach Boris Bunjak, who was replaced by Tunisian Nabil Maaloul. Maaloul has successfully maintained an undefeated record since taking charge. In the opening match of the round, Khaitan secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Shabab, positioning them in ninth place with 12 points, while Al-Shabab remains in eighth place with 14 points.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff