Players fighting for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: Al-Jahra has joined Al-Shabab at the top of the Zain First Division League standings after the "Sons of the Red Palace" secured a 1-0 win over Al-Sahel. This victory capitalized on Al-Shabab's slip-up, as Burgan held it to a goalless draw in the ninth round.

Al-Jahra and Al-Shabab are now tied for first place with 12 points each. Burqan has moved up to third place with 9 points, followed by Al-Sulaibikhat in fourth with 8 points. Al-Sahel sits in fifth and last place with 7 points.

With just one round remaining before the midpoint of the tournament, the competition is heating up. The second division will conclude next Friday with two crucial matches: Burqan will face Al-Sahel, while Al-Jahra will meet Al-Sulaibikhat. Al-Shabab will have a bye this round.

Al-Jahra has the opportunity to take the lead outright if they secure a win in the next round, as it has fewer matches played than Al-Shabab.

Meanwhile, Al-Sahel must win to stay in contention. Although the season is only halfway through, dropping more points could risk its relegation to the second division for another year.

Al-Shabab, having failed to replicate its 2-0 victory over Burgan in the first leg, now shares the top spot with Al-Jahra and could lose its lead in the upcoming round.

Burgan, on the other hand, earned a valuable point in "Al-Ahmadi," maintaining its competitive standing in the league.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff