15/04/2026
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15/04/2026
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DOHA, April 15: Kuwait Club has begun final preparations in Bishkek ahead of its AFC Challenge League quarterfinal against Oman’s Al-Shabab on Sunday.
The team arrived in Kyrgyzstan after completing a training camp in Dammam, where it recorded a 6-1 win over Al-Taraji and a 1-1 draw with Al-Fateh. Three training sessions are scheduled before the decisive encounter as the squad looks to fine-tune its readiness.
Despite missing Sami Al-Sanea, Fahad Hammoud, and Ahmad Al-Zanki, Kuwait enters the match in high spirits under Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic.
In Doha, Qadsia has also intensified preparations for its Gulf Champions League semifinal against Al-Rayyan. Coach Nabil Maaloul and his staff closely monitored Al-Rayyan during the Qatar Stars Cup final to gain tactical insights ahead of the showdown.
Qadsia played one friendly match during the camp, drawing 0-0 with Al-Bidaa, after adjustments to its program caused by earlier travel delays.
The team will be without several key players, including Bader Al-Mutawa, Khaled Ibrahim, and Talal Al-Fadhel, along with Abdulaziz Wadi and Mubarak Al-Faneni, due to work commitments. The absences add to the challenge for the technical staff, particularly after a prolonged break from competitive matches.
Kuwait Club team manager Mohammed Al-Hajri praised the support of Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr. Tareq Al-Jalamah and Public Authority for Sport Director Bashar Abdullah during the Dammam camp.
He highlighted the club’s strong continental record—four finals and three titles—and stressed the team’s ambition to secure a fourth.
Al-Hajri acknowledged the impact of the recent suspension of sports activity but expressed confidence in the players’ determination to overcome the disruption and compete strongly.
He confirmed the squad has now arrived in Kyrgyzstan and will complete three training sessions before facing Al-Shabab on April 19.
By Hassan Mosa
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
