Sula congratulates Bader Al-Mutawa.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: Al-Qadsiya’s Libyan professional, Mohamed Sula, has informed the club management of his intent to remain with the team despite receiving offers from Qatar's Al-Ahly and Algeria's Mouloudia Oran. Sula, who is under contract with Al-Qadisiya until the end of the current season, has already initiated discussions to renew his deal with the "Yellow" for a third consecutive season.

Al-Qadsiya’s defensive woes are easing as captain Khaled Ibrahim has been declared fit to return for tomorrow’s crucial Gulf Clubs Champions League match against Bahrain's Al-Riffa. The game will take place at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in the fourth round of Group B.

Ibrahim missed the previous encounter against Al-Riffa due to a muscle tear, which significantly impacted the team's performance. Al-Qadisiya conceded two goals from defensive errors, highlighting the lack of synergy between Igor Rossi and Daniel Gibula, who replaced Ibrahim. The defender has since undergone an intensive rehabilitation program, and Coach Zeljko Petrovic expressed relief at his recovery.

Currently sitting in third place with two points, Al-Qadisiya needs a victory to keep its qualification hopes alive. Al-Riffa, with four points, occupies second place, while Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq leads the group with nine points. Qatar's Al-Arabi remains at the bottom with one point.

The pre-match press conference for Al-Qadisiya and Al-Riffa is scheduled for noon today at the Millennium Hotel, followed by the coordination meeting for both teams.

The Asian Football Confederation has appointed a Chinese refereeing team, led by Shen Yin Hao, for the AFC Champions League Group D match between Kuwait Club and Jordan’s Al-Hussein Irbid tomorrow. The officiating team also includes Guo Jingtao, Liu Zheng, and the fourth referee Jin Jingyuan.

Kuwait Club, already eliminated from qualification with five points, sits third in Group D. Leader Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE has 10 points, followed by Al-Hussein Irbid with nine, both having secured qualification. Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan is in fourth place with four points. Despite the outcome being decided, Kuwait Club is preparing earnestly to secure a morale-boosting win in their final group match.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff