A file photo of players fighting for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, March 5: The 31st edition of the Crown Prince Cup kicks off today with two preliminary round matches. Kuwait faces Al-Tadamon at 9:30 pm at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, while Sulaibikhat takes on Khaitan at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium at the same time.

The preliminary round continues tomorrow, Friday, with Kazma meeting Yarmouk and Salmiya facing Burqan. On Saturday, Al-Jahra takes on newly promoted Al-Jazeera, while Fahaheel clashes with Al-Shabab. Meanwhile, the matches between Al-Arabi and Al-Sahel, as well as Al-Qadisiya and Al-Nasr, have been postponed due to Al-Arabi's participation in the Asian Challenge Cup and Al-Qadsiya’s involvement in the Gulf Champions League.

Since the tournament's inception in the 1993-94 season, only five clubs have claimed the title. Kuwait Club, Al-Qadsiya, and Al-Arabi have each won the cup nine times, while Salmiya has secured two titles, and Kazma has lifted the trophy once.

Kuwait Club aims for a strong start in its pursuit of the title, which it last won three seasons ago. The team is also looking to move past an early exit from the competition two seasons ago when Al-Salmiya eliminated them with a 3-2 victory in the preliminary round.

Currently leading the Zain Premier League, the "Whites" are enjoying a period of stability and are on course for their 20th league title and fourth consecutive championship. Despite defeating Al-Tadamon 3-0 in their only meeting this season, Kuwait remains cautious, recalling last season’s Amir Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Al-Tadamon.

Meanwhile, Al-Tadamon aims to continue its impressive run this season and hopes to replicate its past success in knocking Kuwait out of cup competitions.

Both Sulaibikhat and Khaitan enter this clash with equal chances of advancing, with each side eager to make a deep run in the tournament.

Khaitan has struggled in the Zain Premier League and now faces the challenge of avoiding relegation. The team is determined to stay among the league’s "big ten" and avoid a repeat of the 2022-23 season when it dropped to the First Division.

On the other hand, Sulaibikhat has shown improvement in recent First Division matches, winning three of its last four games to climb to fourth place, just four points behind the league leader.

Historically, Khaitan has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of their last five First Division meetings, with one loss and one draw.

As the competition begins, all teams will be looking to gain early momentum and secure a spot in the next round.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff