Al-Qadsiya reaches Gulf Champions League final after penalty drama
The first leg saw Al-Qadsiya claim a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Ismail Xavi. However, Al-Nasr bounced back in the return leg, with Matheus Oliveira and Samir Mimešević finding the net. Bader Al-Mutawa kept Al-Qadsiya's hopes alive by scoring their lone match goal.
Al-Qadsiya struggled in the first half, appearing disorganized and sluggish across all three lines. Its lack of movement allowed Al-Nasr to dictate the tempo, pressing forward with confidence. The visitors capitalized on this early dominance in the 16th minute when Oliveira headed in a well-delivered cross past goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi.
Al-Nasr continued to threaten, creating multiple scoring chances, but managed to convert only one goal before the break.
In the second half, Al-Qadsiya's Montenegrin coach, Zeljko Petrovic, introduced Libyan professional Mohamed Soula and Eid Al-Rashidi in an attempt to shift the momentum. However, Al-Nasr remained in control and doubled its lead in the 56th minute through Mimešević.
With 20 minutes left, veteran captain Bader Al-Mutawa made a significant impact after coming off the bench. He reignited his team's chances by scoring a crucial goal in the 77th minute, pushing the match into extra time. Despite increased efforts from both sides, the deadlock remained, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
In a tense conclusion, Al-Nasr missed three penalties, while Al-Qadsiya failed to convert two. Ultimately, the Kuwaiti club emerged victorious, sparking jubilant celebrations among its fans.
Al-Qadsiya now awaits the winner of the clash between Iraqi side Duhok and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq. The two-legged final is set for April 8 and 15.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait U-19 tops Uruguay for second President's Cup victory
CAIRO, Aug 14: Kuwait's U-19 recorded its second win in the 'President's Cup' With a 35-25 victory over Uruguay at the 11th IHF Men's Youth World Championship in Cairo. Earlier, Kuwait competed in the preliminary round in Group A, losing all matches against Sweden, Austria, and Portugal, which placed them into the consolation rounds. In the President's Cup, the team initially lost to Kosovo but then secured victories over Morocco and Uruguay. The President's Cup features 15 teams that did not advance to the second round of the championship, divided into four groups, competing for positions 16 to 32. On the club front, Burgan has acquired national team player Hussein Al-Mutawa on a one-season loan to strengthen its first-handball team. Burgan also renewed the contract of local coach Hussein Habib and signed Serbian professional Jovica Nikolic, who joins Japanese player Kosuke Yasuhira and Croatian Stipe Mandalinic as the club's foreign players. The squad includes local talents Abdulaziz Al-Dosari, Nasser Al-Faraj, Mubarak Al-Randi, Hamad Al-Saqr, and Ahmed Al-Kallaf. Last season, Burgan finished as runner-up in the Kuwaiti Premier Handball League for the first time in club history.
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Qadsia parts ways with Khafi, eyes Al-Houni signing
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Qadsia has officially parted ways with Moroccan forward Ismail Khafi, settling his contract, which ran until June 2026. Khafi has received offers from Moroccan clubs Raja and Wydad, and is reportedly close to joining Raja. The club is also set to strengthen its foreign roster with 31-year-old Libyan midfielder Hamdou Al-Houni, who joins from Ahli Tripoli after leading the team to the Libyan league title. Al-Houni is expected to arrive in Turkey during Qadsia's ongoing training camp. If finalized, Al-Houni will become Qadsia's fifth foreign player alongside Libyan Mohammed Soula, Moroccan Mehdi Barhma, and Algerian Sofiane Bouchare. Qadsia continues its daily training in Turkey and is planning two friendly matches before the camp concludes. The team previously drew 2-2 with Saudi club Al-Faisaly and lost 1-0 to Al-Akhdoud. Qadsia will next face the UAE's Al-Ittihad on Tuesday. Kazma will play its first friendly in Turkey against the Saudi side Damac tomorrow. The team is also scheduled to face Khaldiya, Muharraq, and Sitra from Bahrain on August 20, 24, and 27. Beninese player Samson Akinola is set to join Kazma in Turkey. Al-Salmiya continues daily training ahead of its friendlies against Turkish club Sirik Spor on August 16, Cypriot side Magusa Trok on August 21, and Antalya Spor from Turkey on August 27. Syrian signing Mahmoud Al-Aswad, who missed the initial preparations in Kuwait, will join the team in Bordeaux, Turkey. Al-Jazeera will depart for Turkey on August 21 for a two-week training camp, where it will play several friendly matches as part of preparations for the Zain First Division, which kicks off on September 14.
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Al-Ibrahim to serve another term on World Aquatics Water Polo Committee
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Kuwait Aquatics Association board member Fahad Al-Ibrahim has secured re-election to the World Aquatics Water Polo Technical Committee for the 2025–2029 term. The appointment continues the association's string of international achievements and reflects the trust that continental and global sports bodies place in the expertise of its members. Al-Ibrahim also served on the same committee during the 2022–2025 term. Al-Ibrahim noted that the committee is tasked with developing and evaluating international referees, as well as overseeing the organization of World Aquatics' global competitions. The panel comprises 16 members from around the world. He stressed that this role is a point of pride for Kuwait, pledging to represent the country with distinction and to work closely with fellow members to further develop the sport. A former player for Kuwait's national water polo team and the senior national squad, Al-Ibrahim has also managed the sport at Kuwait Club. He previously served as assistant secretary-general of the federation before joining its board.
