KUWAIT CITY, Jan 8: Today marks the conclusion of the fourteenth round matches, featuring a pivotal encounter between Salmiya and Al-Jahra at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at 5:35 pm.

Following this, the league competition will take a hiatus until next February, due to the involvement of certain professionals in the Asian Cup of Nations and the African Cup of Nations. The Amir’s Cup is scheduled to commence on January 26.

Al-Jahra, currently positioned tenth with a mere two points, must secure victory in this crucial face-off to sustain its hopes of remaining in the "Amal" competition and securing a spot among the Premier League clubs for the upcoming season. A draw or loss would significantly diminish its chances, especially considering Khaitan in ninth place with 7 points, Al-Shabab in eighth with 11 points, and Al-Fahaheel in seventh with 15 points.

Conversely, Al-Salmiya, boasting 17 points, aims to replicate its earlier triumph over Al-Jahra, having defeated them 2-1 in the first division. The team is eager to reignite its winning streak, having been absent from victories in the last six rounds, accumulating 5 draws and one defeat.

In another hard-fought match of the same round, Al-Qadisiya secured a challenging victory against Al-Nasr with a lone goal scored by Eid Al-Rashidi in stoppage time during the first half. This win propels the "Yellow" team to second place in the Premier League standings with 32 points, trailing leaders Kuwait by just one point. Al-Nasr, on the other hand, remains in fourth place with a score of 21 points.

The victory did not come easily for Al-Qadisiya , as it faced significant challenges throughout the match. Despite periods of less convincing play, it managed to secure three crucial points. Al-Nasr exhibited offensive boldness, with a goal by Colombian Hansel Zapata being disallowed due to offside in the first half. Additionally, Zapata missed a penalty in the second half, shooting it high over the goal in a moment lacking concentration.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff