Al-Arabi and Al Seeb players fighting for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, March 6: The Al Arabi Club delegation is set to depart for Muscat, Oman, next Monday in preparation for their second-leg clash against Al Seeb in the Asian Challenge Cup quarter-finals. The match is scheduled for next Wednesday.

In the first-leg encounter at Jaber Al Mubarak Stadium, Al Arabi secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Bandar Al Salamah’s stoppage-time goal.

Al Arabi head coach Nasser Al Shatti described the one-goal win as convincing, emphasizing the strength of Al Seeb, which features 10 international players. He also highlighted his team’s performance despite the absence of a natural striker.

Moroccan forward Hamza Khaba played the final 15 minutes of the match.

Al Shatti praised his players’ determination and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a strong performance in Muscat. He noted that the tie remains open, but Al Arabi will fight to secure qualification and bring joy to their fans.

Regarding officiating, Al Shatti welcomed the use of VAR technology in the Challenge Cup and other AFC tournaments.

Al Seeb player Ahmed Al-Khamisi acknowledged Al Arabi’s home advantage but remained hopeful that his team could turn the tie around in the return leg to advance to the semi-finals.

The winner of the Al Arabi vs. Al Seeb clash will face either East Bengal (India), the 2024 Indian Super Cup champion, or Arkadag (Turkmenistan), who is making its debut in AFC competitions.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff