Ali Khalaf is the best player in the ninth round.
KUWAIT CITY, November 7: Al-Arabi closed the gap on Kuwait Club in the Zain Premier League after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Al-Salmiya in their match at Thamer Stadium on the evening of ninth round.
With this victory, Al-Arabi moved up to 21 points and finished second, just 6 points behind leaders Kuwait Club. However, Al-Arabi still has a postponed match against Al-Nasr from the round of 16, while Al-Salmiya remained in fifth place with 14 points.
Al-Salmiya took the lead in the 13th minute thanks to a goal from Moaz Al-Aseema. Yet Al-Arabi responded just before halftime with a goal from Nigerian attacker Anabo Iwala. In the second half, Al-Arabi took control, with Sofiane Bouchar putting them ahead in the 47th minute, and Ali Khalaf sealing the victory with a third goal in the 68th minute.
In recognition of the team’s impressive performance, Al-Arabi Club President Abdulaziz Ashour awarded each player 500 dinars after the victory. He also presented the same reward for the team’s qualification to the semi-finals of the West Asia region in the Asian Challenge League Championship.
Ashour expressed his satisfaction, saying: “The team continues to deliver convincing performances, and the fans know that the players have much more to offer in the future.” He also thanked the technical, administrative and medical staff and players for their hard work and dedication.
Furthermore, Ashour congratulated Sheikh Ahmed Al-Youssef and the members of the “supplementary” Board of Directors of the Federation, expressing his confidence in the Sheikh’s ability to lead the Federation and meet the needs of the national team and the clubs, especially in terms of facilities and stadiums.
By Hassan Mosa
Staff of Al-Seayassah/Arab Times