KUWAIT CITY, Nov 29 (KUNA): The 31st season of the His Highness the Crown Prince Soccer Cup is set to commence On November 29, featuring a knockout system with 15 participating clubs. The tournament launches with the round of 16 matches, starting at Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah Stadium with a face-off between Kadhma SC and Al-Jahra SC. Subsequent matches will take place at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, featuring Al-Shabab SC against Al-Yarmouk SC.

The draw for the remaining teams reveals matchups such as Al-Fahaheel SC lock horns with Al-Qadsia SC, Khaitan SC against Al-Sahel SC, Burgan SC facing Al-Salmiya SC, Al-Sulaibikhat SC versus Al-Tadamon SC, and Al-Kuwait SC meeting Al-Nasr SC. Al-Arabi SC, as the reigning champions, secures a direct spot in the quarterfinals and awaits the winners of the Al-Shabab SC and Al-Yarmouk SC match.

Originating in the 1993-1994 sporting season, the His Highness the Crown Prince Soccer Cup saw Kuwait SC claiming the inaugural title. Al-Qadsia SC, Al-Kuwait, and Al-Arabi lead with 9 titles each, followed by Al-Salmiya with 2 titles and Kadhma with 1 title. The historical top scorers of the tournament are Ali Marwi and Khalaf Al-Salamah, both boasting 34 goals each.