Al-Sahel the first to qualify for "Excellent"

- Three-way race for the second promotion spot between Al-Sulaibikhat, Al-Yarmouk, and Al-Jazira

With a 0-0 draw against Al-Sulaibikhat on Monday, Al-Sahel secured its place in the Premier League for next season, completing the 20th round of the First Division “Zain League” competitions, which resumed from last season.

Al-Sahel moved to the top of the table with 44 points, three points ahead of Al-Sulaibikhat and four ahead of Al-Yarmouk.

The battle for the second promotion spot is now wide open between Al-Sulaibikhat, Al-Yarmouk, and fourth-placed Al-Jazira, who have 38 points.

In the final round on Thursday, Al-Sahel will face Al-Yarmouk, while Al-Sulaibikhat will play Al-Jazira. Al-Sulaibikhat will secure promotion if they win. If they draw or lose and Al-Yarmouk wins, Al-Yarmouk will take the second spot.

Al-Jazira’s only chance is to defeat Al-Sulaibikhat and surpass them on head-to-head records, provided Al-Yarmouk loses. In other non-competitive matches, Khaitan beat Sporty 5-0, and Burqan defeated Al-Shamiya 4-1.

Al-Sahel’s coach, Ali Abdulridha, expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the achievement, writing on one of his social media platforms: “Thank you to the champion players, the administrative, technical, and medical staff, and to all who played a role in the team’s promotion to the Premier League.”

This is Abdulridha’s first achievement in his managerial career at the senior team level.

Last June, Al-Sahel’s management appointed the former international defender to lead the team, succeeding Abdulaziz Khazim.

He succeeded in keeping the team in the top positions until securing promotion the day before yesterday.