Latest news with #EmmanuelIwala
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Arabi completes Amir Cup semifinal lineup
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: Al-Arabi secured the final spot in the Amir Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al-Jahra in the last quarterfinal match held at Thamer Stadium. With the win, Al-Arabi will now face Al-Salmiya in the first semifinal clash scheduled for Friday at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium. The other semifinal will see Al-Qadsiya take on Kuwait Club tomorrow at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium. Al-Arabi's path to qualification was far from straightforward. The team went ahead 2-0 thanks to goals from Nigerian forward Emmanuel Iwala in the 34th minute and Bahraini international Kamil Al-Aswad in the 52nd. Al-Jahra fought back, narrowing the margin with a goal by Abdulaziz Marwi in the 61st minute, but couldn't find the equalizer. This marks Al-Arabi's second challenge in the tournament after a tough preliminary round against First Division side Sulaibikhat, where it advanced on penalties (4-3) following a 2-2 draw after extra time. Al-Jahra head coach Mohammed Dahilis announced he would step down at the end of the season, describing his experience with the team as "beautiful and convincing." Under Dahilis' leadership, Al-Jahra earned promotion to the Zain Premier League by topping the Zain First Division League and made a commendable run in the Amir Cup, including a win over Kazma in the preliminary round. Reflecting on the loss to Al-Arabi, he said, 'We conceded from two mistakes. Al-Arabi is a strong team and deserved to win.' Club President Yousef Karim revealed that Al-Jahra will begin preparations for the upcoming season soon. 'We will develop a comprehensive plan to avoid repeating past mistakes,' he stated, praising the efforts of the club's technical, administrative, and medical teams, as well as the players. Al-Arabi player Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi expressed gratitude to head coach Nasser Al-Shatti for trusting him in the starting lineup. 'That trust gives me the confidence to give everything I have,' he said. Al-Awadhi, who previously played as a striker for Al-Yarmouk, emphasized his readiness to play any role needed for Al-Arabi. 'I'm fully committed to the team and will give my utmost to help us compete for every title.'
Arab Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club finalize preparations for Crown Prince Cup final
KUWAIT CITY, May 17: Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club will wrap up their final training sessions this evening as both teams gear up for tomorrow's highly anticipated Crown Prince Cup Final. With the title on the line, the coaching staff of both sides has intensified tactical preparations, aiming to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion. Al-Arabi, in particular, enters the match seeking redemption after losing the Zain Premier League title last week, falling 2-1 to Kuwait Club in the final round of the season. The final comes just days after the Kuwait Football Association's Disciplinary Committee announced a series of penalties following disturbances that erupted during the recent league clash between the two sides. Al-Arabi players Sofiane Bouchar, Emmanuel Iwala, and Hamza Khaba were each suspended for two league matches and fined KWD 1,000. Additionally, Jassim Taqi, a member of the club's fan association, received a three-month stadium ban and was fined KWD 1,000 for offensive behavior on the social platform X, under Article 58 of the Disciplinary Regulations. Another Al-Arabi supporter, Abdulaziz Al-Darbas, was handed a one-year stadium ban and fined KWD 500 after storming the pitch and engaging in an altercation with Kuwait Club players. The club itself was fined KWD 8,000 for repeated infractions by its fans, which included throwing smoke bombs, sound bombs, and chanting offensive slogans. Kuwait Club players Sami Al-Sanea, Ayman Abu Al-Fath, Mohammed Daham, and Ahmed Al-Zanki were each suspended for two league matches and fined KWD 1,000 under Article 60. Amr Abdel-Fattah received a KWD 500 fine for physical altercations with Al-Darbas, while photographer Nasser Bin Nasser was suspended for two matches and fined KWD 500 for his involvement in the incident. A press conference for the Crown Prince Cup Final will be held at noon today at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, featuring the head coach and one player from each team. The session is expected to address the teams' strategies, preparations, and remarks ahead of the cup showdown.
Arab Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Fines, Bans, And A Brawl: Inside The Al Arabi–Kuwait SC Controversy
KUWAIT CITY, May 16: Following the heated aftermath of the recent match between Al Arabi Club and Kuwait SC, the Kuwait Football Association has announced a series of disciplinary measures against players, fans, and officials involved in the post-match altercations. Al Arabi Club has been fined KD 8,000 due to repeated violations by its supporters, including the use of smoke bombs, fire crackers, and offensive chants. Three Al Arabi players — Sofiane Bouchar, Emmanuel Iwala, and Hamza Khaba — have each been suspended for two matches and fined KD 1,000 for their conduct during the incident. Additionally, a member of the Al Arabi Fans Association has been banned from entering stadiums for three months and fined KD 1,000 for behavior deemed inappropriate on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Another Al Arabi fan has been banned from stadiums for one year and fined KD 500 after storming the pitch and engaging in a physical altercation with Kuwait SC players. Kuwait SC has also faced disciplinary action. Players Sami Al-Sanea, Ayman Abu Al-Fath, Mohammed Daham, and Ahmed Al-Zanki have each received two-match suspensions and KD 1,000 fines. Meanwhile, player Amr Abdel Fattah was fined KD 500 for exchanging blows with a pitch-invading Al Arabi fan. Lastly, a photographer has been suspended for two matches and fined KD 500 after being involved in a physical altercation with a supporter. The Kuwait Football Association emphasized the importance of upholding sportsmanship and maintaining security standards during all official fixtures.
