Qadsiya goalkeeper makes a save during training session.

DOHA, Aug 11: The draw for the second edition of the Gulf Club Champions League has placed Qadsia in Group A alongside Iraqi side Zakho, UAE’s Al Ain, and Bahrain’s Sitra. Meanwhile, Group B features Qatar’s Al Rayyan, Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, Oman’s Al Nahda, and Yemen’s Tadamon Hadramout.

The draw ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Gulf Football Federation in Doha, Qatar. The tournament will follow a home-and-away format and run from September 16, 2025, to April 14, 2026.

Qadsia is set to kick off its campaign on April 16 against Zakho.

After narrowly missing out on the title last year—drawing 1-1 with Iraq’s Duhok in the first leg before losing 1-2 in the second—Qadsia is determined to claim the championship this season.

Qadsia continues its preparations at a training camp in Turkey ahead of the new season. Tonight, it will play its second friendly match against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Faisaly, followed by a game against the UAE’s Al-Ittihad on August 19. Two additional friendlies are being arranged before the camp concludes on August 29.

The team began its preseason with a narrow 0-1 loss to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Akhdood.

Under the guidance of Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul, Qadsia is focusing on intensive morning and evening training sessions as they prepare for their Zain Premier League opener against Al-Nasr on September 12.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff