Kuwait tops the standings with victory over Al-Jahra

Al-Kuwait secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al-Jahra, with Mehdi Barham scoring the only goal in the match played at Ali Al-Salim Stadium as part of the third round of the Zain Premier League. With this win, Al-Abyad (Al-Kuwait) moved to the top of the table with seven points, while “Ahl Al-Qasr” (Al-Jahra) remained on three points in eighth place.

From the start of the second half, Al-Kuwait pressed high against Al-Jahra’s goal, which was defended by all its players. Al-Abyad missed several dangerous chances, including one-on-one opportunities for Amr Abdel Fattah against goalkeeper Mubarak Al-Harbi, who made a brilliant save (12th minute), and another effort by Marhun that struck the post (27th minute). However, Al-Jahra could not hold out for long, as Al-Kuwait opened the scoring from a cross delivered by Amr that reached Mehdi Barham, who headed it into the net (30th minute).

Referee Mustafa Al-Shatti awarded Al-Abyad a penalty after Mohammed Daham was fouled inside the penalty area. Amr took the spot-kick but fired the ball over the crossbar (39th minute).

In the second half, Al-Jahra became more active following substitutions made by coach Ahmed Abdel Karim, while Al-Kuwait’s attacking play declined. Substitute Kirest Avalana nearly equalized with a powerful shot that goalkeeper Saud Al-Houshan saved, with the ball rebounding off the crossbar (60th minute). From the first touch, Taha Yassin Al-Kheneisi almost doubled Al-Kuwait’s lead with a strong low shot, which Al-Harbi brilliantly pushed away (75th minute). Al-Kuwait then increased their pressure, but Al-Harbi’s outstanding performance kept them at bay by clearing most of the danger. Referee Mustafa Al-Shatti managed the match well.