Al Nahda take on Al Shabab in Gulf Cup CL opener

ADIL AL BALUSHI
MUSCAT: Oman’s Al Nahda will begin their campaign in the 2025-2026 AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League with a highly anticipated Group B clash against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 pm (Oman time) at Al Shabab Stadium in Al Riyadh. In the other Group B encounter, Qatar’s Al Rayyan will face Yemen’s Tadhamon Hadhramout Club at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Doha.
Al Nahda’s delegation arrived in Al Riyadh on Sunday and immediately commenced training under the guidance of head coach Naseef al Biawi. The squad’s main training session on Tuesday saw the technical staff sharpen the team’s tactical organisation, with a particular focus on offensive play and attacking transitions.
The Al Buraimi-based club will enter the continental competition on the back of solid performances in the domestic Jindal League. Al Nahda managed to record a 3-0 victory over Saham in their latest fixture, having earlier secured a similar scoreline against Samayil in the opening round. They were held to a goalless draw by Ibri in the second match.
Head coach Al Biawi will rely on a mix of experienced campaigners and international professionals to lead the charge. The squad featured Oman national team goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi, veteran midfielder Harib al Saadi, and standout talents including Thani al Rushaidi, Mohamed al Ghafri and Ghanim al Habshi. Their foreign contingent includes Tishdak Lokomi, Abubaker Diyara, Odavai Kemba, and Misoki Beri Jeen, who add further depth and international experience. However, Al Nahda will be without national team defender Ahmed al Kaabi, who remained sidelined due to an injury sustained in their last league outing.

Al Nahda will host Al Rayyan on October 22 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat before meeting Tadhamon Hadhramout at the same venue on November 5. Their return leg fixtures will start with a match against Tadhamon Hadhramout on December 24, Al Shabab on February 11, 2026, and will conclude against Al Rayyan on February 17, 2026, in Doha.
Group A features Zakho Club (Iraq), Al Ain (UAE), Sitra Club (Bahrain), and Al Qadsia Club (Kuwait). The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals.
For Al Nahda, this event is a major opportunity to prove themselves against some of the region’s most established clubs. With their strong domestic record and competitive edge, the Omani side is determined to make a deep run in the competition and write a new chapter in the Sultanate’s football journey.
The AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League continues to serve as a prestigious platform for Gulf clubs, promoting competitiveness, technical growth, and sporting exchange. Past editions have crowned champions including Shabab Al Ahli (UAE), Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Al Ittifaq, while the most recent title was won by Iraq’s Duhok Club after their dramatic 2-1 aggregate victory over Kuwait’s Al Qadsia in the final.