HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah presenting the Cup to the winners

KUWAIT: Kuwait Sports Club won His Highness Amir Football Cup for 11th time in the club’s history after beating Al-Arabi Sports Club in a thrilling 3-1 final, held at Jaber International Stadium and attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Kuwait began the clash offensively attempting to score first, and indeed scoring the first goal in the 3rd minute by Moroccan international Yasseen Salehi who converted a crossover and the ball passed by Al-Arabi goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf’s right hand side.

Salehi, posing a real threat on Al-Qallaf, scored the second goal just two minutes later but the referee declared the player was off-side. Rocky Talal Jazea’s unstoppable kick from outside the box in the 8th minute pushed Kuwait’s lead to two goals to none.

Kuwait’s Jordanian international Hamza Dardoor was tripped in the box in the 20th minute. Salehi’s penalty kick secured Kuwait’s three-goal difference lead.

Al-Arabi coach replaced midfielder Yusuf Al-Enezan with striker Hussain Al-Mosawi, who missed many chances to score and many attempts were saved by Kuwait’s goalkeeper Musab Al-Kanderi.

Al-Mosawi scored his team’s lone goal in the 52nd minute. Al-Arabi tried hard to close the gap despite relentless pressing. Al-Mosawi missed a penalty kick, saved by Al-Kanderi in the 82nd minute.

Qadsia leads with His Highness the Amir Cup’s titles, winning the competition 16 times in its history. It is followed by Al-Arabi with 15 times. Kuwait won it 10 times.

In statements to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait SC Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq commended the spirit of the players who showed great confidence throughout the final match. He said the players were determined since the beginning of the season to achieve positive results, and indeed honored their promises.

Salehi, scoring two of the three goals, said he was really happy to win the cup. He said the players were determined to do everything they could throughout the final game.

Goalie Al-Kanderi, who saved a penalty kick, said the win boosted confidence of the players for future competitions.

Defender Fahad Al-Hajri said he was happy with the victory although the team was not successful in winning Kuwait League and His Highness the Crown Prince’s Cup. – KUNA