Qadsia closes in on Challenge League quarter-finals

Al-Rawahi’s shot heads towards Regar-TadAZ goal.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 21: Qadsia moved to the brink of the AFC Challenge League quarter-finals after securing a second successive victory, edging Tajikistan’s Regar-TadAZ 1–0 in their Group C clash.

Nasser Al-Rawahi scored the decisive goal in the first minute of first-half stoppage time in the match played at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium.

Both teams created attacking opportunities, with Regar-TadAZ pressing for an equalizer. The encounter also featured several physical challenges by the Tajik side, prompting Omani referee Mahmoud Al-Majrafi to issue several yellow cards.

The victory lifted Qadsia to six points from two matches, putting it three points clear at the top of the group ahead of India’s Goa. Qadsia now needs only a draw against Goa in Thursday’s final group match to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.

Regar-TadAZ occupies third place with three points, while Bangladesh’s Fortis remains bottom without a point.

The winners of the three West Asia groups, along with the best second-placed team, will advance to the quarter-finals.

Qadsia coach Mohammed Ibrahim praised his players for their performance across both halves, saying they deserved to win by a wider margin but were let down by missed opportunities.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ibrahim stressed that qualification was not yet assured and said his side would approach the decisive encounter with Goa with the same determination to secure all three points.

He explained that bruises and fatigue among several players had forced him to make substitutions to preserve the team’s winning momentum. Ibrahim also confirmed that Athbi Shehab would be sidelined for up to 40 days.

Commenting on the introduction of midfielder Abdulaziz Wadi, Ibrahim, known as “The General,” said the move was not intended to make the team sit back defensively. Instead, it was designed to strengthen the midfield and improve control of the game.

“Securing the midfield gives our attackers and wingers greater freedom to move forward without worrying about counterattacks,” he said.

Ibrahim voiced hope that Qadsia would maintain their strong form and progress further in the competition, while urging supporters to turn out in force for tomorrow’s decisive match against Goa.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff