Qadsia aims to take a big step toward the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals

19/10/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 19: Qadsia will seek to strengthen its bid for a place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League when it meets Tajikistan’s Regar-TadAZ at 8:30 pm today at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in the second round of Group C.

The group’s other fixture pits India’s Goa against Bangladesh’s Fortis at 4:25 pm.

The Qadsia-Regar-TadAZ clash is crucial, with the winner poised to take a significant step toward qualification. Both sides lead the group after Qadsia opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Fortis, while Regar-TadAZ came from behind late in the game to defeat Goa 2-1.

Qadsia coach Mohammed Ibrahim will be looking for another strong performance from his players after they dominated their opening match and secured all three points.

Regar-TadAZ, meanwhile, struggled to impress against Goa but managed to get the job done. Coach Masoud Parviz Kaisar made timely substitutions that proved decisive in securing the victory.

Al-Arabi has little margin for error as it takes on Tajikistan’s Istiklol at 5 pm today at Hisor Central Stadium in the second round of Group B.

The group’s other match will see Syria’s Homs Al-Fidaa face Lebanon’s Al-Najma at 2 pm at the same venue.

The Green Castle must win to keep its qualification hopes alive after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Homs Al-Fidaa in their opening match. Another setback would leave its chances of advancing considerably weakened.

Coach Mohammed Abdelnabi knows his side must deliver a determined team performance, cut out the errors that proved costly in the opener, and show greater concentration, organization, and discipline across the pitch.

The task will be far from easy, however, as Al-Arabi faces Istiklol, who will look to capitalize on home advantage and the backing of their supporters. The Tajik side is also under pressure to win after losing 1-0 to Al-Najma in its first match.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff