KUWAIT, May 23 (KUNA) -- Al-Qadsiya Sporting Club has managed to beat fierce rival Al-Arabi, 26-23 in one of the toughest games so far in the preliminary round of the Kuwaiti Handball Federation Cup for the 2007-08 season.
With a huge attendance, the two teams began the first-half with an almost equal performance, which ended 15-10 in Al-Qadsiya's favour.
Al-Qadsiya maintained its dominance in the second half, led by left full-back Ali Al-Haddad and playmakers Saleh Al-Jimaz and Mahdi Al-Qallaf.
Amongst Al-Arabi's noted players who presented a strong defence were Salah Anas and Hassan Al-Shatti.
The win is reminiscent of previous performances by Al-Qadsiya, when the team managed to hold both the League and the Cup titles two years ago.
Al-Qadsiya will go on to meet last year's champion Salmiya, in an eagerly anticipated game that will be an important crossroad for both teams in the championship.
A number of Al-Qadsiya's players subsequent to the game, gave separate statements to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), assuring fans of their commitment to continue providing equal performances in coming matches.
Al-Haddad, said that "the team is fully capable of maintaining its successful campaign in the championship, armed with determination and the high spirits Al-Qadsiya players are known for."
On his part playmaker Al-Jimaz, added that "the team has all the components of success in the championship."
He stressed that the club shouldn't get too complacent after its win against Al-Arabi.
Kuwaiti capped international Mahdi Al-Qallaf, said that the win was a great inspiration for the team to play better in coming matches, stating that he owed the team's performance to their coach Adnan Belhareth.
In other games for the preliminary stage of the competition, Al-Naser beat Khaitan 36-26.
Copyright Kuwait News Agency 2008.
