KUWAIT CITY, March 7: Kuwait Club is determined to maintain its lead in the Zain Premier League as it faces Al-Nasr today at 5:00 pm at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in the eighteenth round. The round concludes with Al-Arabi taking on Kazma at 7:40 pm at Friendship and Peace Stadium.

Following this round, the ten clubs will be divided into two groups. The top six will compete in the “Championship” League for the title, while the remaining four will play in the League to survive, aiming to avoid relegation to the First Division. Two clubs will be relegated, while the other two will continue in the Premier League next season.

In the pivotal clash, league leaders Al-Abyad (40 points) aim to continue its winning streak under Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul. Al-Abyad is determined to avoid a draw or defeat with second-placed Al-Arabi (39 points) lurking.

Meanwhile, Al-Nasr (24 points) is back in winning form after the last round and aims to secure a fourth-place finish after this round.
In the other match, the encounter between Al-Arabi and Kazma (20 points) holds immense significance for both teams. “Green” seeks revenge after being eliminated from the Super Cup by Kazma and losing 4-2 on penalties. Al-Arabi also lost 4-0 to Kazma in the first section of the league. The three points are crucial for Al-Arabi to continue its title pursuit and redeem its position after losing to Kuwait in the previous round.

Criticism has been directed at Al-Arabi’s Bosnian coach, Darko Nestorovic, following defeats to Kazma and Kuwait, leading to relinquishing the lead and exiting the Super Cup. The technical staff hopes to change this situation in today’s match.

On the flip side, Kazma must secure a win to stay among the top six clubs, regardless of the Al-Fahaheel vs. Al-Salmiya match outcome. “Orange” also aims to defeat Al-Arabi for the second time, compensating for a draw with Al-Fahaheel (1-1) in the last round, a direct competitor for sixth place.

By Hassan Musa
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff