Players battling for the ball during the Amir Cup match.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 28: Kuwait Club leaves for Muscat this evening to prepare for Wednesday’s first-leg encounter against Al-Shabab in the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League. The return leg is set for March 11.

Kuwait Club travels in high spirits after maintaining its Amir Cup title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory over Al-Nasr at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, securing a place in the semifinals.

Taha Khenissi struck twice — converting a penalty in the 27th minute before adding a second in the 61st — while Amr Abdel Fattah quickly followed with a third goal to seal the result. Kuwait Club will now await the winner of the clash between Al-Qadsia and Al-Fahaheel in the semifinal round.

Head coach Nebojša Jovović said his side achieved its objective without complications, dismissing criticism over the recent Super Cup loss and highlighting Kuwait’s sustained dominance at the top of domestic competitions over the past year.

Meanwhile, Al-Qadsia secured its spot in the Amir Cup quarterfinals after a 2-0 win against Burgan in a postponed preliminary-round fixture at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium.

Khaled Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 29th minute, and Neskens Kebano doubled the lead in the 61st to confirm progression.

Al-Qadsia now shifts focus to its upcoming GCC Champions League semifinal first leg against Al-Rayyan on Wednesday, with the return leg also scheduled for March 11.

The medical staff is working to assess Algerian defender Sofiane Bouchar, who was forced off early against Burgan with groin discomfort. Initial reports suggest a muscle strain that could keep him sidelined for at least a week.

Head coach Nabil Maâloul emphasized the significance of the Burgan victory, noting that a congested schedule has taken a toll on the squad and contributed to several injuries. He stressed that the team will need all available players in the coming period to achieve positive outcomes.

Maâloul also voiced optimism about securing a strong first-leg result against Al-Rayyan and urged fans to provide full support in Wednesday’s encounter.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff