11/02/2024
11/02/2024
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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Today marks the completion of the fifteenth round of the Zain Premier League with two scheduled matches. In the first, Al-Salmiya will face Al-Shabab at Thamer Stadium at 4:45 pm followed by the second match between Al-Arabi and Al-Jahra at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 7:25 pm.
Al-Arabi, currently with 33 points, approaches today's match with multiple objectives. The team aims to regain confidence following their exit from the Amir’s Cup, where they suffered a 1-2 defeat to traditional rivals Al-Qadisiya in the semi-finals. Additionally, they seek to replicate their previous victory over Al-Jahra, having beaten them 2-1 in the first division. The team's Bosnian coach, Darko Nestorović, understands the importance of securing a victory today to maintain the trust of fans and the board of directors, given the high expectations placed on him to compete for a podium finish in the league standings.
Al-Jahra, currently at the bottom with two points, faces challenging circumstances due to administrative problems affecting team stability. These issues have cast a shadow on their focus and secured their participation in the "Avoid Relegation" league competitions. Continued poor performance may lead to Al-Jahra being relegated to the Zain League for the first division.
In the other match, Al-Salmiya, led by Croatian coach Ante Micha, with 20 points, aims to boost the morale of its players following their qualification for the Emir’s Cup final. The team seeks to replicate their previous success against Al-Shabab, having defeated them 2-1 in the first division. Despite the point difference with league leaders, Al-Salmiya has shown a commendable level in recent competitions, remaining unbeaten in the league since the tenth round, with their last loss against Al Arabi with two unanswered goals.
Al-Shabab, with 14 points, looks to recover from a significant setback, having suffered a 1-4 loss to Al-Fahaheel in the Amir’s Cup preliminary round. At the league level, they secured a valuable victory against Kazma with an unanswered goal in the fourteenth round.
Hassan Musa
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff