MUSCAT: Al Shabab will eye to secure group A topper as they will take on Altyn Asyr FC from Turkmenistan in a decisive match on Friday at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan in the concluding group stage matches of the 2025/2026 AFC Challenge League (ACGL).
In another match from the same group, the hosts Paro FC from Bhutan will face FC Abdysh-Ata from Kyrgyzstan. Al Shabab match will kick off at 1:00 pm (Oman time) while the following match will start at 4:00 pm (Oman time)
Seeb, on the other side in group B, will meet Lebanon’s Al Ansar club in must win match to ensure securing spot to the next round of the event and waiting the other match result between Kuwait and Bashundhara Kings. Seeb match will take place at the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah Stadium in Kuwait City and the match will start at 5:00 pm (Oman time). Seeb defeated Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh in the opener by 3-2 while they ended their registered a 1-1 draw against the hosts Kuwait in the following match. The team currently is leading the group by four points with goal difference than the second placed team Kuwait club.
AL SHABAB IN STRONG FORM
Coach Hassan Rustam battalion are in best shape for the match following two trilling victories and the players in top morale to end their debut campaign without defeat. Al Shabab are currently positioned in second place in group A by six points but with goal difference than Altyn Asyr FC who are leading the group. Al Shabab will eye to register a win on Friday’s assignment to book a slot for the next round of the event.
Mohammed al Ghafri and his team-mates are aware that the encounter will not be an easy as they will meet a tough encounter who managed to earn two triumphs too. Coach Hassan Rustam and his assistant staff will rely on the same players including Ibrahim al Mukhaini as a goalie beside defenders Majid al Saadi, Yaqdhan al Mushaifri while Mohammed al Ghafri in the centre beside Yaseen al Sheyadi and K Markneh in the attacking line.
SEEB TARGET KNOCKOUT BERTH
Seeb Club will aim to register a win against Al Ansar club from Lebanon and await the other match result. Both teams Seeb and Kuwait will go into their concluding ties knowing victory may not be enough to seal qualification. Both Seeb and Kuwait began their campaigns with identical 3-2 victories, and with the two sides tied on points, Friday’s matches promise to produce dramatic conclusions in Group B.
Head coach Nicola Djurovic is expected to rely on his experienced core, including Abdulaziz al Maqbali, Zahir al Aghbari, Salah al Yahyaei, and Ali al Busaidy. The Omani side will count on their composure and international experience to overcome the pressure of the decisive fixture.
According to the ACGL format, the three group winners and the best second-placed team from the West Zone will advance to the quarterfinals, while the top two teams from the East Zone groups will progress as well.
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