Kuwait Club players celebrate their victory over Salmiya.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 22: Kuwait Club maintained its lead in the Zain Premier League after securing a valuable 3-1 victory over Al-Salmiya in the 16th round, keeping a two-point advantage over its closest competitor, Al-Arabi, who narrowly defeated Al-Yarmouk 1-0.

Kuwait Club now has 43 points, having successfully overcome the "Sky Blues" in a pivotal match, despite playing most of the game with 10 men following a red card to defender Amin Abu Al-Fath. Kuwait Club sent a clear message: the top spot and the title won't be easily relinquished, and Al-Arabi will need to work hard to take the lead.

Al-Arabi, however, was determined not to let its earlier setback derail its title hopes, with a late goal in the 68th minute to keep its ambitions alive for a championship that has eluded it for three seasons.

As the league progresses, the competition is heating up. With Qadsia (29 points), Al-Salmiya (27 points), and Al-Fahaheel (25 points) ensuring their places in the Premier League, the battle for the sixth spot intensifies. Teams like Al-Tadamon (17 points), Kazma (15 points), Khaitan (11 points), and Al-Nasr (9 points) are all vying to avoid relegation and secure their place in the top league.

Al-Tadamon, after a 2-0 defeat to Al-Fahaheel, still controls its fate, while Kazma, following a 1-0 loss to Khaitan, needs Al-Tadamon to slip up. For Al-Nasr and Khaitan, their hopes hinge on defeating both Al-Tadamon and Kazma in the final two rounds.

At the bottom of the standings, Yarmouk remains in last place. Despite their commendable performance against Al-Arabi, they now face an uphill battle to rearrange their strategy and make a push in the remaining six matches if it is to stay in the Premier League.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff