KUWAIT: Qadsia’s Ahmad Al-Reyahi (center) shoots the ball during his team’s Kuwait Premier League match against Salmiya on Sunday. — KUNA

By Ahmad Jabr

KUWAIT: Kazma held on for a draw in their key matchup with second-place Kuwait on Sunday to stay on top of the Kuwait Premier League standings, while Qadsia’s title hopes were dealt a blow after suffering their second defeat this season. Kuwait failed to capitalize on the momentum of their recent Amir Cup win, showing little threat to the hosts’ net as the match ended in a 0-0 draw; enough for Kazma to stay in the lead with 13 points and one point ahead of Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Qadsia missed their chance to go on top of the standings when they lost to fourth-place Salmiya 3-2 in the match held at the latter’s Thamir Stadium on Sunday. Qadsia seemed to be going for a victory as they led by 2-1 at the end of regulation, but Salmiya were able to turn the table with two goals scored by Hussain Al-Musawi in added time. Qadsia now remain in third place with 12 points and one point ahead of Salmiya.

Al-Nasr and Al-Arabi are in fifth and sixth places with nine and eight points respectively following their 1-1 draw in the other key match of the week. Kazma look to extend their lead when they visit ninth-place Al-Tadhamon on Thursday, while Kuwait will have a tougher test when they host Al-Nasr on Friday. Al-Arabi host Al-Shabaab tomorrow while Qadsia play against Fahaheel on Thursday and Salmiya against Al-Yarmouk on Friday.