Al-Jahra player fires a shot on goal as an Al-Kuwait defender races to block.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 18: Al-Jahra players staged a protest during their Zain Premier League clash with Kuwait Club, highlighting years of financial and administrative struggles. The squad cited unpaid partial professionalism bonuses from the past two seasons and delayed salaries as key issues affecting their focus and motivation.

Veteran player Fahad Ayed directly appealed to the Acting Director of the Public Authority for Sports, Bashar Abdullah, noting, “Four years have passed without receiving our dues or salaries. How long will this continue?”

Despite the turmoil, Kuwait dominated the match with a 4-1 victory at Mubarak Al-Ayar Stadium. Goals came from Faisal Zayed, Mohammed Marhoon, Taha Khenissi (penalty), and Youssef Nasser, while Abdulrahman Al-Oseimah netted for Al-Jahra. The win lifted Kuwait to six points at the top of the table, leaving Al-Jahra still without a point.

In another Round 2 fixture, Al-Arabi defeated Fahaheel 3-0 at Thamer Stadium. Fadiga, Wangué, and Ali Aziz were on target as Al-Arabi also climbed to six points, sitting second on goal difference behind Kuwait Club. Fahaheel remain on three points in fifth place.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff