KUWAIT CITY, Aug 22: The "derby" match between rivals Al-Qadisiya and Al-Arabi brought contrasting emotions: joy and celebration in the green fortress of Al-Arabi, and anger and disappointment in the yellow fortress of Al-Qadisiya.

Al-Arabi secured several "positives" with its 2-1 victory over Al-Qadisiyah in the third round of the Zain Premier League, marking their third consecutive win and placing it at the top of the league standings. The league will now pause until September 13 for the Blues’ participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This marks the first time since the 2014-2015 season that Al-Arabi has achieved three consecutive league victories. Back then, it secured four wins before falling to Al-Salmiya 3-2 in the sixth round.

Al-Arabi's dominance in the match was evident, with the team's high fitness levels, particularly among young players like Ali Aziz, Khaled Al-Marshed, and substitute Youssef Majed, who scored the winning goal. The tactical acumen of coach Nasser Al-Shatti was also on display, as he effectively neutralized Al-Qadisiya’s movements and imposed his style on the game.

Al-Shatti remarked, "Al-Akhdar was the hungrier team, which is why the players were able to score the winning goal in the final minute." He praised his players, especially the emerging talent Youssef Majed, for their ability to tip the scales against a team as formidable as Al-Qadisiya. Following the victory, club president Abdulaziz Ashour rewarded the team, granting each player 300 dinars.

In contrast, Al-Qadisiya's struggles persist, continuing its trend of dropping points in the early rounds before gradually slipping out of the competition. The criticism has been directed at the team's coach, Mohammed Al-Mishaan, with fans and followers calling for his removal, alongside the board of directors. Some players, both local and professional, have also come under fire for failing to deliver convincing performances in recent rounds.

Former star Hamad Al-Enezi criticized the club's board of directors for the team's declining results, holding the head of the football apparatus, Sheikh Fahad Talal Al-Fahad, responsible. Al-Enezi stated, "Al-Qadisiyah Club is in untrustworthy hands."

Musaed Neda lamented the loss of the team's former glory, stating that "Al-Qadisiya has lost its prestige" and is no longer feared by competitors as it once was. Neda pointed to the modest performance of the players, including professionals, as a reason for this decline. He urged the administrative apparatus, led by Sheikh Fahad Talal, to listen to the concerns of those who love the club, emphasizing the need for changes at both the player and administrative levels.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff