Post-Saddam soccer

THE ARAB Clubs Championship began in Cairo on Sunday with teams from Kuwait and Iraq meeting for the first time in 13 years.

The Kuwaiti club, called Kuwait, and the Police of Iraq played to a 2-2 draw at Cairo Stadium, the first match between the two countries since the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Despite the strain in relations, players of both teams were on their best behaviour.

In the opening match, Zamalek of Egypt edged Syria's Al-Geish 1-0 on a penalty.

The championship, named after Faisal Bin Fahd, the late Saudi prince, includes 10 teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Enppi of Egypt, Bahrain's Refae, Saudi Arabia's Ittifaq, Jordan's Al-Faisali and Rajaa Casablanca of Morocco. Group B includes Zamalek, Al-Geish, Kuwait, Police and Algeria's Ittihad Al-Asema.

Eighteen referees will officiate in the 15-day event which is being organised jointly by Egypt's Zamalek and Enppi. For financial reasons, Zamalek and Enppi are co-hosting after Ahli declined.

Right, players from Iraq's Police and Kuwait clubs stand alongside their respective flags prior to the match

photo: Salah Ibrahim