Players fighting for the ball

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 25: Al-Qadsia bounced back from a challenging season, both domestically and regionally, with a crucial 2-1 victory over Bahraini side Sitra at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in the fourth round of Group A in the Gulf Champions League.

The win ended a period of inconsistency for the team, who had been struggling for form in local competitions and were bottom of their Gulf Champions’ League group. The victory now gives Al-Qadsia a strong chance to secure the second qualifying spot for the semifinals.

With the result, Al-Qadsia moved to 4 points in third place, while Sitra remains last with 2 points. In the same group, Iraq’s Zakho has already secured a semifinal spot with 10 points, and the UAE’s Al-Ain sits second on 6 points.

The win was powered by Congolese forward N’Zkins Kipano, who scored both goals for Al-Qadsia.

Speaking after the match, Coach Nabil Maaloul confirmed that Libyan player Mohammed Soula will leave during the winter transfer period, while a decision regarding Egyptian star Mahmoud Kahraba will be made within five days. Maaloul also emphasized his commitment to retaining Eid Al-Rashidi and ruled out signing Kuwaiti player Faisal Zayed.

Maaloul expressed his satisfaction with the victory, calling it “the team’s last opportunity to remain in the semifinal race.” He added that the team’s qualification now depends entirely on its own results, noting, “Beating Zakho and Al-Ain is our main goal to advance.”

The return of key injured players, including Algerians Victor Lekhel and Sofiane Bouchar, along with Kipano, strengthened the squad, though Khaled Sabah, Abdullah Matawah, and Khaled Ibrahim remain sidelined. Maaloul also praised Youssef Al-Haqqan, who delivered an impressive performance in his return to the lineup.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff