Al Nahda eye first victory against Hadhramout

MUSCAT, DEC 22

Oman’s Al Nahda arrived in Doha on Sunday as they will prepare to face Yemen’s Tadhamon Hadhramout in the fourth round of Group B fixtures of the 2025–26 AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League. The crucial encounter is scheduled for Wednesday at Saud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium and the match will kick-off at 7:30 pm (Oman time).

The Al Buraimi-based club is currently placed third in Group B with three points, having drawn all of their previous matches. Al Nahda opened their continental campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab in Riyadh on October 1, before earning another 1-1 stalemate against Qatar’s Al Rayyan in Muscat on October 22. They, then concluded the first-leg fixtures with a third consecutive draw, again by the same scoreline, against Tadhamon Hadhramout at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on November 5.

Al Nahda remain unbeaten in the tournament but they target a first win against Tadhamon Hadhramout. Group leaders Al Rayyan currently top the standings by five points and followed by Tadhamon Hadhramout with four points and Al Nahda with three points. Al Shabab are in fourth place with two points. The upcoming fixtures are decisive in the race for the semifinal spots.

Following their arrival in Doha, Al Nahda commenced their preparations with a series of training sessions under the supervision of head coach Naseef al Biawi. The technical staff focused on tactical discipline, improving transitions between defence and attack, and sharpened finishing in the final third as an area the team hopes will make the difference in the return-leg encounters.

Coach Al Biawi is expected to rely on a blend of experience and youthful energy, led by national team goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi, midfield leader Harib al Saadi, and attacking options include Ahed al Mashakheyi, Hamed al Habsi and the team’s professional player Misooki beside other players in the squad.

STRONG DOMESTIC FORM

Al Nahda approach the continental clash with confidence boosted by their strong domestic form. The team recently recorded a 2-1 victory over Sohar in the Jindal League, a result that lifted them to second place in the league standings with 19 points, level with leaders Seeb but separated only by goal difference. Oman team players including Harib al Habsi and Thani al Rushaidi netted the goals for Al Nahda against Sohar. The domestic performance highlights the team’s attacking potential and resilience that they will look to replicate on the regional stage.

For Al Nahda, Wednesday’s match will represent a vital opportunity to transform their steady performances into a much-needed victory that could significantly enhance their qualification hopes. With the group standings finely balanced, a positive result in Doha would not only strengthen their position but also reaffirm the club’s ambition to progress deep into the Gulf Cup Champions League.