Al Arabi players celebrate after the match.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Oct 28: Al-Arabi came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory against Tajik side Regar-TadAZ in their Group C clash of the Asian Challenge League at Dolin Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The winning goals were scored by Abdulaziz Nasari and Yousef Majed. The win boosts its prospects of advancing to the next stage of the competition.

Portuguese coach Marco Felis made tactical adjustments compared to Al-Arabi’s previous match against Lebanon’s Safa, setting up four defenders: Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, Juma Abboud, Mohammed Khalid, and Abdulaziz Nasari. The midfield featured Ali Aziz, Hassimi Fadiga, Inayo Iwala, and Yousef Majed, while the forwards were Christopher John and Zaid Kanbar.

The first half was cautious, with both sides reluctant to take risks following draws in the opening round—Al-Arabi 2-2 against Safa, and Regar-TadAZ 0-0 with the Kyrgyz team Ramos United. Play was largely confined to midfield, with few scoring chances, except for a powerful shot from Christopher that was brilliantly saved by Regar-TadAZ goalkeeper Manuel in the 14th minute.

The final 15 minutes of the first half saw an increase in intensity. Regar-TadAZ struck first through Sherboni (34'), who received a pass, penetrated the Al-Arabi penalty area, and finished low past goalkeeper Suleiman Abdulghafour. Al-Arabi nearly equalized shortly after, but Manuel denied Majed’s effort (37'). The equalizer came in the 39th minute through Nasari following a well-orchestrated attack.

In the second half, Al-Arabi dominated proceedings, creating several scoring opportunities. A header from Christopher was saved and fell to Zaid Kanbar, who shot over the bar (54'). Regar-TadAZ responded with a shot comfortably held by Abdulghafour, while Iwala also tested the goalkeeper (56').

Al-Arabi finally took the lead in the 70th minute, as Yousef Majed capitalized on a scramble in front of the goal, placing the ball past Manuel for the decisive strike.

After taking the lead, Al-Arabi focused on counterattacks. Regar-TadAZ came close to equalizing when a shot slipped from Abdulghafour’s grasp but went over the bar (85'), and Abdulghafour made a crucial save to block Sherboni’s effort in the 88th minute.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff