Kazma Begins Gulf Campaign Against Al-Ittihad Today

Kuwait’s Kazma begins its campaign in the Gulf Club Championship today, facing Saudi side Al-Ahli at 09:00 at Al-Ahli Stadium in Dammam. The match is part of Group C, which also features a clash between UAE’s Ajman and Iraqi guests Erbil at 19:00. Kazma’s task will undoubtedly be challenging against Al-Ahli, a strong team in the Saudi league with a history of numerous achievements and a prominent presence in the Gulf tournament, which it has won three times, the first being in 1984, making it the first Saudi club to claim the title. On the other hand, Kazma previously won the championship twice before its name was changed, giving both teams similar ambitions to compete for the trophy. The Orange squad drew 1-1 with Al-Arabi in their last Premier League match and are aiming for a positive start in their Gulf campaign to secure all three points. The team boasts several quality players, including Shabib Al-Khalidi, Sultan Al-Anzi, and Nasser Falah, alongside foreign professionals such as Shuaib Al-Idrissi, Ndaw, and Patrick Robinson, among others, whom Croatian coach Tadić relies on to achieve the desired result. Kazma currently sits third in the Premier League and hopes that preparations for the current season and squad reinforcements will translate into improved results, enhancing their chances of competing for local titles and reclaiming the Gulf title, which has eluded them for years. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli aims to leverage home advantage and crowd support to make a strong start in the tournament, despite their recent Saudi league results falling short of fan expectations. The team includes several foreign players, such as Moussa Dembélé, Larsson, and Selina, and drew 1-1 with Al-Gharafa in their last league match, leaving them in twelfth place.