Al Arabi seeks victory in first appearance in Challenge Cup.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 24: Al Arabi is set to begin its campaign in the Asian Challenge League against Kyrgyzstan's Abdish Atta at 5:30 pm at Kuwait Club Stadium in the opening match of Group Two.

In the same group, Turkmenistan's Arkadakh will take on Maldivian Maziya Sports at 9:30 pm at the same venue.

Al Arabi will host the group stage matches until November 2. The tournament features 18 clubs competing for the title of the inaugural edition of this third-level club competition. The participating teams are divided into five groups, with three groups in the western region, each containing four clubs, and two groups in the eastern region, each consisting of three clubs.

The group stage will follow a single round-robin format, and the top team from each of the three western groups will qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the best second-place team. Additionally, the top two teams from each of the eastern groups will also advance.

Quarter-final matches are scheduled as two-legged ties from March 5 to 13, 2025, while the semi-finals will take place from April 9 to 17, 2025, culminating in the final match on May 10, 2025.

Al Arabi aims to capitalize on hosting the group stage and secure qualification for the next round, buoyed by its impressive performance in the Zain Premier League, where it has achieved six victories and suffered only one defeat against Al-Abyad, placing it second in the standings, just three points behind the leader, Kuwait Club.

Coach Nasser Al-Shatti acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially with facing unfamiliar teams that Al Arabi has never encountered before. He is hopeful for a positive result in the team's first "Asian" appearance, supported by the depth of talent within the squad.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff