MUSCAT, NOV 6
Oman’s Al Nahda wrapped up the first-leg group matches of the 2025–26 AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Yemen’s Tadhamon Hadhramout on Wednesday night at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. It was their third straight draw in Group B.
Al Nahda, who began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab in Riyadh on October 1 and followed it with another 1-1 result against Qatar’s Al Rayyan in Muscat on October 23, once again shared the spoils in front of their home fans.
In the other Group B fixture, Al Rayyan and Al Shabab also played out a 1-1 draw at Suhaim Bin Hamed Stadium in Doha. Following these results, Al Rayyan remained at the top of the standings with five points, followed by Tadhamon Hadhramout with four points. Al Nahda occupied third place with three points, while Al Shabab are in fourth with two points.
The first half of the match in Muscat saw both teams create several half chances but failed to give the finishing touch. Al Nahda looked the more composed side in midfield through the efforts of Harib al Saadi, Hamed al Habsi, Mohammed al Ghafri and Ghanim Ramadhan while Tadhamon relied on their quick transitions led by Omar Mansoor and Adil Abbas.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute when Al Nahda’s professional midfielder Hessouke unleashed a powerful free-kick from just outside the penalty area that sailed past the Yemeni goalkeeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, Tadhamon bounced back strongly in the 58th minute as Al Nahda goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi was judged to have fouled striker Omar Mansoor inside the box, prompting Kuwaiti referee Ali al Ali to award a penalty. Mansoor confidently converted from the spot in the 61st minute, restoring parity and setting up a tense final half-hour.
Both coaches including Naseef al Biawi of Al Nahda and Bandar Basareeh of Tadhamon Hadhramout introduced tactical changes in search of a winner. Al Biawi pushed his side higher up the pitch and strengthened the attack while coach Bandar adjusted his midfield to close the spaces and maintain control. Despite the late pressure from both sides, the score remained unchanged as the match ended 1-1.
Al Nahda will now turn their focus to the second-leg fixtures, beginning with an away match against Tadhamon Hadhramout on December 24 in Qatar. They will then meet Al Shabab on February 11 in Saudi Arabia before concluding their group campaign against Al Rayyan on February 17 in Doha.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
