Al Arabi and Al Qadsiya players challenging for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 20: Al Arabi had a thrilling night, overturning a two-goal deficit against traditional rival Al Qadsiya in the 12th round of the Zain Premier League. Played at Al Qadsiya's home stadium, Al Arabi delivered a remarkable performance, turning the match around to secure a 4-2 victory. This win added three crucial points to their tally, bringing them to 33 points and reigniting its hopes of reclaiming the championship title after a three-season drought. On the other hand, Al Qadsiya, with only 20 points, saw its chances of competing for the title diminish significantly.

The match began modestly for Al Arabi, but the team's fortunes changed dramatically thanks to coach Nasser Al Shatti's strategic substitutions. He relied on young players who stepped up to the challenge and proved their worth. Their energy and determination allowed Al Arabi to dominate the match, scoring four goals to seal a valuable victory and improve its chances of competing for the title.

Al-Arabi’s professionals also played a pivotal role, showing excellent levels of performance that made a significant impact on the outcome. Despite bringing in several professionals at the start of the season, the club’s management and coaching staff deserve credit for their quick decisions to replace underperforming players with better options before it was too late.

Following the victory, Al Arabi Club President Abdul Aziz Ashour congratulated his players for their fighting spirit and dedication. He rewarded each player with 1,000 dinars and lifted penalties previously imposed on some players.

Meanwhile, the mood in the Al Qadisiyah camp was one of frustration. Fans who had celebrated a strong first half were left disappointed as their team faltered in the second half. Al Qadsiya's management, including Montenegrin coach Zeljko Petrovic, came under fire from fans and some players for the team's decline in performance.

Despite their impressive first half, Al Qadsiya struggled in the second half, succumbing to Al Arabi’s relentless attacks. Petrovic made substitutions, bringing in Bader Al-Mutawa for Athbi Shehab, but this did not improve the situation. Shehab’s absence exposed gaps in the midfield, allowing Al Arabi to take full control and secure the victory.

Al Qadsiya also faced issues with its choice of professionals. While Mohammed Soula and Ismail Khafi performed well, the likes of Daniel Jibola and Mahdi Barahma failed to make an impact. Barahma, in particular, struggled to adapt to different positions, which affected his overall performance. Moreover, the midseason departure of Igor and ongoing injuries to key players, including Khaled Ibrahim, Khaled Sabah, and Faisal Al-Shatti, weakened the team further. Despite bringing in Haitian Jean Jairo, sources confirmed that he had been dismissed, and another professional was sought.

The lack of suitable replacements for injured players further exposed Al Qadisiyah's vulnerabilities. In contrast, Al Arabi’s reliance on their strong bench, the coach's tactical approach, and the team’s fighting spirit proved decisive. Al Qadisiya's struggles were compounded by absences and a lack of depth in its squad.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff