Kazma Faces Al-Ittihad in 'Dammam'

Kuwait officials: Kazma’s first team begins its Gulf Club Champions League campaign today at 7 p.m. when it faces Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the opening match of their group stage encounters in Group C of the Gulf Club Champions League, held at Al-Ittihad Stadium in Dammam. The group also includes UAE’s Ajman and Iraq’s Erbil, who are also playing each other today.

The tournament, under its new format, comprises three groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

The Orange squad aims to make a strong impression upon its return to international competitions after a long absence. Kazma boasts a mix of outstanding local and foreign players capable of securing a positive result against a tough and experienced opponent. The team, managed by Croatian coach Dragan Tadich, features Fahd Al-Hajri, Hussein Kanouni, Sultan Al-Anzi, Nasser Falah, Shuaib Al-Khalidi, and Meshal Al-Shamari, alongside foreign professionals: Algerian Idriss Chaibi, Senegalese Amath Ndao, Yemeni Nasser Mohammedwah, Brazilian Patrick Robson, and German Torlies Knoll.

Kazma is aware that a strong start and a positive result today will give them an advantage in upcoming matches, especially as they have been delivering impressive performances in the Zain Pro League, currently sitting third with eight points from three matches without a loss, just two points behind league leaders Kuwait SC. All these factors will contribute to a convincing performance and a favorable outcome. Moreover, their chances of reaching the quarter-finals are good, given that eight teams out of the twelve participants will advance.

On the other side, Al-Ittihad sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League, which is considered the best in the region, with 12 points from three wins, three draws, and two losses, having scored 12 goals and conceded the same number.