In this file image, Qadsia forward Badr Al-Mutawa holds the ball after scoring.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21: The third round of the Zain Premier League continues today with two key matchups, as Jahra hosts Kazma at Mubarak Al-Ayar Stadium at 6:10 p.m., followed by Qadsia taking on Fahaheel at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium at 8:25 p.m.

All four sides enter the round looking to bounce back from disappointing results last week. Kazma was held to a goalless draw by Tadamon, Jahra suffered a 4-1 defeat to Kuwait Club, Qadsia dropped points in a 1-1 stalemate with Shabab, and Fahaheel fell 3-0 to Arabi.

Kazma, led by Croatian coach Dragan Tadic, will aim to take advantage of Jahra’s struggles and hand ita third straight loss, while chasing its second win after edging Salmiya 1-0 in the opener.

Jahra, meanwhile, will be buoyed by the long-awaited registration of its new foreign players, who were sidelined for the first two rounds due to a FIFA sanction related to unpaid dues. Their reinforcements — Antonio Silva (Angola), Filip Dangubić (Croatia), Oliver Stojanovski (North Macedonia), Mimola Hysen (Italy), along with Tunisian Omar Ben Zakri — could provide a much-needed boost for Croatian coach Rodion Gasanin “Radan.”

Later in the evening, Qadsia (4 points) knows only victory will satisfy its fans after last week’s draw. Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul will be eager to steer his side back to winning form as the club continues its pursuit of a league title that has been missing for several years.

Qadsia will be without Mubarak Al-Fanini, who is expected to be sidelined for more than a month due to a muscle injury. On the positive side, Congolese star Neeskens Kebano returns to the squad, while Algerian defender Sofiane Bouchar is set for his debut following suspension.

Fahaheel (3 points), who opened their campaign with a win over Jahra before stumbling against Arabi, are also looking for a response. Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib believes his side must stay sharp and capitalize on the pressure Qadsia are facing from their demanding supporters.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff