12/01/2025
12/01/2025
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 12: The 11th round of the Zain Premier League kicks off with a thrilling match between Kuwait Club and Al-Fahaheel at 5:40 pm at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium.
Kuwait Club, leading the standings with 27 points, will look to bounce back from its first defeat of the season, a 1-2 loss to Al-Qadsiya in the previous round. This defeat allowed Al-Arabi to share the top spot, and now Kuwait Club, under the guidance of Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic, cannot afford another slip-up if it is to retain its lead. Another loss could open the door for Al-Arabi to take the top spot if it wins against Al-Tadamon in the same round.
Although Kuwait Club triumphed 3-0 over Al-Fahaheel in the first half of the season, the "Whites" are aware that the current situation has changed, and the match will be much more challenging. Al-Fahaheel has been performing well in recent rounds and will be a tough opponent.
Kuwait Club will be without midfielder Amr Abdel Fattah, who is serving a suspension after receiving a red card against Al-Qadsiya. However, Jovovic can rely on a strong squad, with key players like Mohammed Daham, Bahraini international Mohammed Marhoon, Tunisian Yassin Al-Khenisi, Youssef Nasser, Reda Hani, Yahya Jabran, Ali Hussein, Faisal Zayed, Fahad Al-Hajri, Malek Zola, Sami Al-Sanea, and Mishari Ghannam in defense.
Al-Fahaheel, currently fourth in the standings with 17 points, aims to take advantage of Kuwait Club’s recent setback and improve its position in the league. A win tonight would propel Al-Fahaheel into third place, provided Al-Qadsiya falters against Al-Yarmouk tomorrow. The team will be motivated to avenge its earlier defeat to Kuwait Club and continue its push for a higher spot in the standings.
Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib knows that securing a positive result against Kuwait Club will require significant effort from his players, particularly top scorer Vitor da Silva, who leads the competition with 11 goals. Al-Fahaheel will also rely on Abdul Mohsen Al-Ajmi, Brazilian William Barros, and Abdullah Mawi. However, the team will be missing key players due to injury, including Brazilian Rodrigo, Ahmed Al-Riyahi, and Mohammed Naeem.
By Hassan Mosa
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff