Qadsia gains momentum as rivals stumble

26/05/2026

KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Qadsia was the biggest beneficiary of Round 16 in the Zain Premier League, moving up to second place after a narrow 1-0 win over Al-Tadamon, secured by a goal from veteran star Badr Al-Mutawa.

The “Yellows” climbed to 28 points, capitalising on Al-Kazma’s 3-2 defeat to Al-Fahaheel, which kept them on 27 points and saw them slip in the standings. Qadsia also took advantage of Al-Arabi’s 1-1 draw with Al-Jahra, which dropped the “Greens” to fourth on 26 points, level with Al-Salmiya but behind on head-to-head.

Qadsia continued its positive momentum with a second straight win, with coach Nabil Maaloul giving opportunities to younger players for the second match in a row, while Badr Al-Mutawa once again proved decisive.

League leader Kuwait Club, which remains on 40 points, returned from Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium with a 1-1 draw against Al-Nasr, extending its unbeaten run and maintaining its strong lead at the top.

Al-Arabi and Al-Kazma were the main losers of the round. Al-Kazma dropped to third after its defeat to Al-Fahaheel, while the winner moved up to sixth place on 21 points.

Al-Arabi, meanwhile, continued its dip in form, collecting just three points from its last six matches. Its last league victory came in Round 10 with a 5-0 win over Al-Shabab.

Al-Salmiya, sitting fifth on 26 points, secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Al-Shabab to keep its hopes alive of competing for a continental qualification spot.

The defeat left Al-Shabab in trouble on 15 points, dropping to eighth place behind Al-Nasr, who are seventh with 16 points.

The next round will feature a crucial relegation battle between eighth-placed Al-Shabab and ninth-placed Al-Tadamon (12 points), a match that could significantly shape the survival race.

Al-Jahra, bottom in 10th with 8 points, earned a valuable draw against Al-Arabi to keep its slim survival hopes alive.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff