Players challenging for the ball.

BAGHDAD, Oct 1: Qadsia’s campaign in the Gulf Champions League began on a sour note after the Kuwaiti side slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Iraq’s Zakho in their Group A opener at Duhok International Stadium.

Qadsia made a promising start when Libyan forward Mohamed Soula converted a penalty in the 9th minute, following a foul on teammate Abdullah Matawa. But Zakho quickly responded, leveling through Nigerian striker Echeita Dibouti just six minutes later.

From that point on, Zakho seized control of the game as Qadsia struggled with misplaced passes, a lack of cohesion, and sluggish movement. Goalkeeper Ali Jaragh was kept busy and twice rescued by the woodwork before conceding again in stoppage time of the first half, with Shirko Karim putting the hosts ahead.

The second half brought no relief for Qadsia, as Karim struck again in the 47th minute to extend Zakho’s lead to 3-1. Despite substitutions from Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul — including veteran Bader Al-Mutawa, Abdulrahman Al-Dhafiri, Neeskens Kebano, and Mohammed Al-Shuraifi — the team failed to turn the tide.

Qadsia’s struggles were compounded by the absence of several key players, among them Jassem Al-Mutair, Eid Al-Rashidi, Mubarak Al-Fanini, Khaled Sabah, Victor Lekhal, and Moaz Al-Dhafiri.

In the same group, Al-Ain of the UAE made a strong start, easing past Bahrain’s Sitra 4-1 at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

By Hassan Mosa

Al -Seyassah/Arab Times Staff