Kuwait Club player makes a goal attempt during the opening match against Tadamon.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 14: Defending champion Kuwait Club launched its Zain Premier League title defense in style with a 3-1 victory over Tadamon at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in the opening round. Qadsia also impressed with a commanding 4-0 win over Al-Nasr at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium.

Kuwait Club’s win was secured by two goals from Bahraini Mohamed Marhoon and a brace from Tunisian striker Taha Yassine Khenissi, both from the penalty spot. Tobi Okiki scored the only goal for Tadamon.

Qadsia, meanwhile, dominated its clash against Al-Nasr, with goals from Rashid Al-Dosari, Eid Al-Rasheedi, veteran captain Bader Al-Mutawa, and Egyptian star Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba.”

The round’s earlier fixtures saw Arabi defeat Shabab 2-0 and Fahaheel overcome Jahra 3-1.

Qadsia coach Nabil Maâloul hailed Bader Al-Mutawa as “a role model for all players through his discipline and leadership,” stressing his importance to the squad.

He thanked the fans for their support and underlined his ambition: “I’m here to coach Qadsia, and our goal is to compete for all five titles this season. Hopefully, fortune will be with us.”

Despite missing several key players—including Mohamed Soula, Sofiane Bouchar, Abdulaziz Wadi, and Talal Al-Fadhil—Maâloul praised his squad’s performance, noting that debutants Victor Lekhal, Kahraba, and Kipao played despite lacking full fitness. He added: “The three points give us valuable momentum, but the season is still long.”

Kuwait Club assistant coach Karim Al-Shazly described the win as both “convincing and important,” emphasizing that as champions, the team faces constant pressure to deliver both results and performances every week.

Tadamon assistant coach Jamal Al-Qabandi, meanwhile, noted that the game marked the first time his squad had been at full strength this season following the arrival of foreign players. He admitted Kuwait capitalized on defensive errors but stressed, “The gap between the two sides wasn’t that big. Circumstances before the match limited us, but we’ll look to bounce back in the next round.”

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff