Al-Qadsia players celebrate with officials after qualifying for the Gulf Club Champions League semifinals.

DUBAI, Feb 19: Al Qadsia secured a semifinal showdown with Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the Gulf Club Champions League on March 4 and 11 after edging UAE side Al Ain 1-0 in their decisive Group A finale. Veteran star Bader Al-Mutawa netted the crucial goal to seal qualification.

Al Ain’s Ibrahima Nadiya received a red card in the 12th minute, giving Qadsia the advantage and allowing them to dominate possession and put constant pressure on its rival's goal.

The victory, which was the only result that would see it through, lifted Al Qadsia to 10 points and second place in the group, behind Iraqi leader Zakho, who finished on 13 points.

Iraq’s Zakho secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bahraini side Sitra to book its place in the semi-finals

In the other semifinal matchup, Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab will take on Zakho, with the winners advancing to the final scheduled for April 14.

Head coach Nabil Maaloul admitted the road to qualification was “tough,” praising the players, management, and supporters for standing behind the team. He also expressed appreciation to Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousuf for providing the necessary support to ensure the club’s strong representation of Kuwait abroad.

Al-Mutawa congratulated the fans on the achievement, highlighting their loyalty from the opening round despite inconsistent results. “Making our supporters proud is our priority. They deserve to see us repay their faith and backing,” he said.

He acknowledged that Al Ain had shown impressive form in the early rounds but faded toward the end, while Al Qadsia managed to regroup after a shaky start and revive its campaign. According to Al-Mutawa, the squad and staff united after disappointing early performances to correct their path and restore confidence.

The captain stressed that the team’s recent resurgence has also been evident in domestic competitions. Having already lifted the Super Cup, Al Qadsia is eager to maintain momentum and compete strongly for the remaining titles this season.

Team manager Musaed Nada reassured fans over the condition of Neskens Kebano, confirming the player is stable after suffering a facial injury following a strong challenge that forced him off during the match.

Nada concluded by thanking Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousuf for his continued backing of Kuwaiti clubs in regional competitions.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff