Kuwait SC Lacks Shuaibi in Ajman Clash

Kuwait officials: Al-Kazma’s first team continues preparations to host UAE’s Ajman at the Friendship and Peace Stadium tomorrow in the second round of Group 3 of the Gulf Club Champions League. Last Friday, the team played in the Zain Premier League against Al-Salibikhaat, securing a 2-1 victory that placed them second in the standings, a result that has boosted morale among the players and coaching staff.

Al-Kazma will be without Algerian defender Idriss Chaabani, who was sent off in the previous match against Al-Ittihad, meaning Croatian coach Dragan Tadić will have to replace him alongside Fahd Al-Hajri, with Khaled Shammam the most likely candidate.

The “Orange” side suffered their first defeat in the Gulf competition, losing 2-0 to Saudi club Al-Ittihad in Dammam, while Ajman defeated Iraqi side Erbil 4-1. The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance, meaning Al-Kazma’s chances of qualification remain strong.

Meanwhile, the coaches’ press conference will be held today at 1:00 p.m. at the Rayyan Hotel to discuss the latest preparations. It will be preceded at 12:00 p.m. by a coordination meeting to determine each team’s primary and secondary kit colors.

The match will be officiated by a Bahraini refereeing team led by Ismail Al-Habib, assisted by Abdullah Yaqoub and Hussein Mohammed, with Mohammed Jamal as the fourth official. Their compatriot Mohammed Ibrahim will serve as the VAR official, assisted by Qatari Saud Ahmed.