Al Nahda eye first win in Gulf Cup CL against Al Rayyan

MUSCAT, OCT 21

Oman’s Al Nahda will target to secure their first win in the 2025-2026 AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League when they will face Qatar’s Al Rayyan on Wednesday at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat in Group B matches. The encounter will kick off at 7:30 pm.

Al Nahda began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab in Riyadh earlier of this month while Al Rayyan made a powerful start after defeating Yemen’s Tadhamon Hadhramout Club 5-0. In the other match of the same group, Al Shabab will meet Tadhamon Hadhramout in Doha.

The Al Buraimi-based club will enter the encounter in strong domestic form as they recently defeated Al Khabourah 3-0 in the Jindal League in a result that keeps them joint top of the league table alongside Seeb with 10 points.

Al Nahda’s lineup will feature several key players including national team goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi, experienced midfielder Harib al Saadi, attacking talents Mohammed al Ghafri, Ahed al Mashakheyi and striker Abdulrahman al Ghassani. The team will also rely on their professional foreign players.

The Tunisian coach’s tactical preparations in the last few days focused on strengthening the team’s coordination between midfield and attack as well as improving finishing efficiency in the final third. It is a crucial aspect against the Qatari powerhouse Al Rayyan who are known for their fast-paced offensive style.

Following this match, Al Nahda will host Yemen’s Tadhamon Hadhramout on November 5 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The return-leg fixtures will see them travel to Yemen on December 24 as they will meet Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab on February 11 and conclude their group stage matches against Al Rayyan on February 17 in Doha.

Group A featured Zakho Club (Iraq), Al Ain (UAE), Sitra Club (Bahrain), and Al Qadsia Club (Kuwait) with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. Bahrain’s Sitra Club will host Iraq’s Zakho Club while Kuwait’s Al Qadsia Club will face Al Ain club in Kuwait.

For Al Nahda, this campaign represents a major opportunity to showcase Omani football quality at the regional level. With their strong domestic record and balanced squad, the team will eye to continue their impressive form and make a deep run in the competition.