Al-Qadsia steps up preparations in Doha ahead of Al-Rayyan clash

Al-Qadsia players intensify training in Doha.

DOHA, April 11: Al-Qadsia has begun its preparations in Doha with intensive double training sessions at Qatar University, as it gears up for a crucial clash against Al-Rayyan in the semifinals of the GCC Champions League.

The Kuwaiti side arrived in the Qatari capital via Saudi Arabia and immediately launched its camp, training on Pitch No. 1 at Qatar University. The match is scheduled for April 19 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, which will also host the final on April 23.

In the other semifinal, Al-Shabab will face Zakho, with both winners advancing to the showdown.

Al-Qadsia’s departure was delayed due to visa issues affecting several members of the technical staff and foreign players, shortening the team’s preparation window. As a result, the coaching staff, led by Nabil Maaloul, has requested just one friendly match during the camp.

Maaloul aims to assess the squad’s readiness ahead of the high-stakes encounter, though the team will be without several key players. Bader Al-Mutawa, Talal Al-Fadhel, and Khaled Ibrahim are unavailable due to work commitments, while Abdulaziz Wadi is sidelined through injury. There are also doubts over the availability of Mubarak Al-Fanaini, while Bahraini international Mahdi Humaidan is expected to join the squad shortly.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Club is maintaining its preparations in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with two daily training sessions ahead of its quarterfinal clash against Oman’s Al-Shabab in the AFC Challenge League on April 19.

The team recently secured a convincing 6-1 victory over Saudi side Al-Taraji in a friendly match, boosting confidence within the squad.

Club officials are currently arranging a second friendly before the team departs for Kyrgyzstan next Tuesday, where the technical staff will finalize their lineup and tactical approach for the upcoming encounter.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff