Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousuf, Chairman of the Kuwait Football Association.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 12: Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousuf, Chairman of the Kuwait Football Association, announced a $100,000 personal reward for Al-Qadsia Club should it win the Gulf Club Champions League title.

To support Kuwait’s representative in the regional tournament, the FA has postponed Al-Qadsia’s preliminary round match against Burgan in the Amir Cup, originally scheduled for Saturday. Al-Qadsia will now travel to the UAE to face Al-Ain next Wednesday in the sixth and final round of Group A. The team needs a win against Al-Ain to reach the semifinals, currently sitting third with 7 points, while Al-Ain is second with 9 points, where a win or draw secures their progression.

Today’s preliminary round matches:

Al-Tadamon vs. Al-Jahra at Al-Sadaqa wal Salam Stadium, 4:45 pm

Kazma vs. Khaitan at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, 7:45 pm

Al-Salmiya will face Al-Sulaibikhat on Saturday at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium at 7:45 pm to conclude the preliminary round.

All six teams are eager to improve their results, especially after none advanced beyond the quarterfinals of this season’s Crown Prince Cup.

Kazma aims to overcome last-minute disappointment after being eliminated by Al-Sulaibikhat on penalties (4-3) in the Crown Prince Cup. The team has shown strong performances recently, following significant squad changes, especially in their foreign player roster. Khaitan hopes to make an impact this season after missing out on First Division title contention.

Al-Tadamon seeks to bounce back under Bosnian coach Igor, chasing their first win in recent matches, while Al-Jahra looks to end a series of poor results with a victory tonight.

Al-Salmiya aims to recover from a 1-2 loss to Al-Tadamon and secure a semifinals spot, while Al-Sulaibikhat looks to repeat their surprise elimination of Kazma from the Crown Prince Cup.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff