Qadsia aims to maintain Zain Premier League momentum against Kuwait Club

A file photo of players battling for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 30: Kuwait Club and Qadsia meet at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium at 8:55 p.m. today in a highly anticipated second-round clash of the Zain Premier League. Earlier, Al-Sulaibikhat will host Al-Shabab at Abdullah Al-Khalifa Stadium at 6:40 p.m.

The meeting between the defending champion Kuwait Club and Qadsia is an early test for both sides, which enter the match with different objectives and circumstances.

Kuwait Club was held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Al-Arabi in the opening round, conceding three goals before scoring a stoppage-time equalizer. The result came shortly after the club dismissed Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos and appointed Syrian Firas Al-Khatib to lead the team.

Al-Khatib will be looking for a much-improved defensive display against Qadsia, with the defending champion unable to afford another lapse at the back. A victory would restore confidence and help the team move on from dropping two points in the opener.

Qadsia, meanwhile, is chasing a second straight victory under experienced coach Mohammed Ibrahim. It began its campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Al-Fahaheel and will be eager to maintain its momentum against Kuwait Club side that has proved difficult to overcome in recent seasons.

Ibrahim can draw confidence from the performances of both his local players and foreign signings in the opening round as Qadsia continues its bid for a league title that has eluded it for a decade.

Al-Sulaibikhat will be aiming to claim their first Premier League victory of the season when it faces Al-Shabab.

The newly promoted side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Al-Sahel in the opening round and will be determined to respond on home turf.

Al-Shabab, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after beating Al-Jahra 3-2 in its opening match. It will look to build on that performance and make it two wins from two.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff