KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: Al-Arabi is set to extend its recent run of excellence by securing a new victory in the Zain Premier League championship. The team is eager to reclaim the top spot from Al-Qadsia  as it faces Al-Shabab at 5:30 pm in the eleventh round. Meanwhile, the round concludes with a match between Al-Nasr and Al-Salmiya at Ali Sabah Stadium, kicking off at 8:00 pm.

Al-Qadsia  currently leads the league after defeating Al-Jahra 2-1, despite playing with nine players due to the expulsion of Aziz Nasari and Daniel Gibola in the previous round. The team secured the lead with a goal from Badr Al-Mutawa in the 11th minute, with Al-Jahra responding through Rodrigo in the 66th minute. In the 90th minute, Vitor scored the winning goal from a penalty kick. Al-Qadsia  now holds 25 points, while Al-Jahra remains at two points in last place.

Al-Mutawa is now just four goals away from becoming the historic top scorer in the league, currently held by Syrian striker Firas Al-Khatib with 162 goals.

In its first match, Al-Arabi (23 points) aims to continue its excellent form, seeking a fourth consecutive victory in the competition. The team has recently triumphed over formidable opponents, including Kuwait (3-0), Kazma (4-0), and Al-Salmiya (2-0). Bosnian coach Darko Nestorovic looks to maintain the winning streak, emphasizing the team's defensive solidity, offensive prowess, and outstanding possession.

Al-Arabi aims to avoid a draw, which Al-Shabab imposed on them in the first encounter (1-1).On the other side, Al-Shabab (11 points) is determined to regain balance after consecutive losses to Al-Fahaheel and Al-Qadsia  with scores of 0-2 and 0-4, respectively.

In the second match, Al-Nasr (16 points) has multiple objectives: seeking revenge against Al-Salmiya, who defeated them 3-2 in the first division, and securing a new victory to strengthen their position in the league. Al-Salmiya (14 points) aims to overcome a recent decline in performance, having not won in the last three rounds, with draws against Al-Qadsia  and Al-Fahaheel (1-1 and 0-0, respectively) before losing to Al-Arabi (0-2).

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff