Ali Khalaf is the best player in the ninth round.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7: Al-Arabi closed the gap on Kuwait Club in the Zain Premier League after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Al-Salmiya in their match held at Thamer Stadium on the evening of the ninth round.

With this win, Al-Arabi moved up to 21 points, sitting second, just 6 points behind leaderKuwait Club. However, Al-Arabi still has a postponed match against Al-Nasr from the eighth round, while Al-Salmiya remained in fifth place with 14 points.

Al-Salmiya took the lead in the 13th minute thanks to a goal from Moaz Al-Aseema. Still, Al-Arabi responded just before halftime with a goal from Nigerian forward Anabo Iwala. In the second half, Al-Arabi took control, with Sofiane Bouchar putting them ahead in the 47th minute, and Ali Khalaf sealed the victory with a third goal in the 68th minute.

In recognition of the team's impressive performance, Al-Arabi Club President Abdulaziz Ashour awarded each player 500 dinars following the victory. He also presented the same reward for the team's qualification to the semi-finals of the West Asia region in the Asian Challenge League Championship.

Ashour expressed his satisfaction, saying, "The team continues to deliver convincing performances, and the fans know the players have much more to offer in the future." He also thanked the technical, administrative, and medical staff, and players for their hard work and dedication.

Furthermore, Ashour extended his congratulations to Sheikh Ahmed Al-Youssef and the members of the "supplementary" Federation Board of Directors, expressing confidence in the Sheikh's ability to lead the Federation and address the needs of the national team and clubs, particularly in terms of facilities and stadiums.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seayassah/Arab Times Staff