Qadsia players pose for a group photo.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 21: Al-Qadsia will look to secure a vital victory when it hosts UAE’s Al-Ain at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium today at 8:00 PM in the second round of Group A of the Gulf Clubs Champions League.

In the same group, Bahrain’s Sitra will face Iraq’s Zakho in Manama.

The “Yellow” team is aiming to achieve several objectives: to bounce back from their 3-1 opening defeat to Zakho, to restore confidence after consecutive losses to Kuwait Club (2-1) and Kazma (1-0) in the Zain Premier League, and to gain momentum ahead of Sunday’s domestic clash against Al-Salmiya. A win tonight will also strengthen their chances of advancing from the group, while a loss or draw could seriously reduce their prospects.

The challenge will be significant, as Al-Ain dominated Sitra 4-1 in the first round and currently leads the UAE league standings. Al-Ain has announced that it will field mostly reserve and youth players, supplemented by a few first-team substitutes, to focus on domestic league and cup competitions.

The Gulf Cup Referees Committee appointed a Qatari officiating team for the match: Salman Flahi as the main referee, Yusuf Aref and Zahi Al-Shammari as assistants, and Mishari Al-Shammari and Faisal Eid as VAR officials.

Al-Qadsia coach Nabil Maaloul described the encounter as “extremely important,” emphasizing the team’s determination to win despite missing key players. Injured players Mubarak Al-Fanini, Jassem Matar, and Eid Al-Rashidi will be absent, while goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf is set to start.

Al-Ain coach Matteo Lambeardo stated, “We respect Al-Qadsia and know a lot about them. Our goal is to play for the win,” adding that using the reserve team in the Gulf Champions League is intended to give new experience to the first team.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff