Qadsia and Arabi build confidence ahead of the derby

29/10/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 29: Qadsia and Al-Arabi head into Sunday’s eagerly anticipated derby in high spirits, both looking to build on their recent Zain Premier League victories.

Qadsia cruised to a 4-0 away win over Al-Shabab on Thursday, with former Al-Arabi striker Hamza Khabba scoring a hat-trick. Meanwhile, Al-Arabi defeated Fahaheel 2-0 at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium to secure its first league victory of the season.

The results boosted both teams ahead of their seventh-round clash. Qadsia extended its winning streak to third place with 12 points, behind leader Kuwait Club on 16 and second-placed Kazma on 14, though Qadsia has a game in hand.

The four-goal victory was Qadsia’s biggest league win of the campaign and reflected their improving form. The team also qualified for the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals after winning all three group matches to finish with nine points.

Al-Arabi, meanwhile, will hope its victory over Fahaheel marks a turning point after a difficult start. The Green side had recorded three draws and one league defeat before Thursday’s win. It was also eliminated from the AFC Challenge League after three consecutive defeats and had earlier lost to India’s East Bengal in the AFC Champions League Two playoff.

The seventh round continues on Saturday with two fixtures. Tadamon hosts Sahel at 5:30 pm, while Sulaibikhat meets Salmiya at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium at 7:45 pm.

Bottom-placed Tadamon will be desperate to claim its first points of the season after losing its opening six matches. The run of defeats led to the dismissal of Bosnian coach Igor Remetic, with Adel Marzouk appointed as his replacement.

Sahel, with four points, will seek to capitalise on Tadamon’s struggles to register its second win of the campaign.

In the evening fixture, Salmiya will aim for two consecutive victories and strengthen its position among the league’s leading sides. It currently has nine points.

Sulaibikhat, meanwhile, will be chasing its first win of the season after recording three draws and three defeats.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff