Coach directs players during the Zain Premier League match in Kuwait.

KUWAIT CITY, March 1: The Zain Premier League picture became much clearer following the conclusion of the 17th round, defining the battle for the top spots and the struggle to avoid relegation.

The competition will pause until the end of March due to Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsiya’s participation in the AFC Challenge Cup and the Gulf Champions League, respectively, and the Kuwait Club’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The title race remains intense, with Kuwait Club and Al-Arabi tied at 44 points apiece just one round before the classification stage ends. Al-Arabi seized an opportunity to challenge the reigning champion after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al-Nasr, capitalizing on Kazma’s 1-1 draw with Kuwait Club.

Al-Qadsiya solidified its hold on third place with 32 points, bouncing back from a heavy 3-0 defeat in the previous round with a 2-0 win over Al-Fahaheel. The team now turns its focus to the Gulf Champions League semifinal against UAE’s Al-Nasr. Meanwhile, Al-Fahaheel remains in fifth place with 25 points.

Fourth-placed Al-Salmiya (28 points) salvaged a 1-1 draw against Al-Yarmouk with a stoppage-time equalizer in a match that saw their opponents reduced to nine men.

Al-Tadamon climbed to sixth place with a crucial 2-1 win over Khaitan, securing a spot in the championship league and avoiding the relegation battle.

Kazma, seventh with 16 points, now faces another season in the relegation league. Al-Nasr (eighth, 12 points) has shown improvement despite a recent loss to Al-Arabi, while Khaitan (ninth, 11 points) has struggled to maintain consistency despite strong performances in previous rounds.

Al-Yarmouk (10th, 6 points) is at the bottom of the table and faces near-certain relegation. It is the only team that has yet to secure a victory this season

With the league resuming after the international break, the battle for the title and survival intensifies as teams prepare for the final stretch of the season.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff