Al-Qadsiya players led by Al-Mutawa celebrate after qualifying for the final.

KUWAIT CITY., March 12: Al-Qadsiya secured its spot in the Gulf Champions League final after edging past UAE’s Al-Nasr 4-3 on penalties.

The first leg saw Al-Qadsiya claim a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Ismail Xavi. However, Al-Nasr bounced back in the return leg, with Matheus Oliveira and Samir Mimešević finding the net. Bader Al-Mutawa kept Al-Qadsiya’s hopes alive by scoring their lone match goal.

Al-Qadsiya struggled in the first half, appearing disorganized and sluggish across all three lines. Its lack of movement allowed Al-Nasr to dictate the tempo, pressing forward with confidence. The visitors capitalized on this early dominance in the 16th minute when Oliveira headed in a well-delivered cross past goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi.

Al-Nasr continued to threaten, creating multiple scoring chances, but managed to convert only one goal before the break.

In the second half, Al-Qadsiya's Montenegrin coach, Zeljko Petrovic, introduced Libyan professional Mohamed Soula and Eid Al-Rashidi in an attempt to shift the momentum. However, Al-Nasr remained in control and doubled its lead in the 56th minute through Mimešević.

With 20 minutes left, veteran captain Bader Al-Mutawa made a significant impact after coming off the bench. He reignited his team's chances by scoring a crucial goal in the 77th minute, pushing the match into extra time. Despite increased efforts from both sides, the deadlock remained, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.

In a tense conclusion, Al-Nasr missed three penalties, while Al-Qadsiya failed to convert two. Ultimately, the Kuwaiti club emerged victorious, sparking jubilant celebrations among its fans.

Al-Qadsiya now awaits the winner of the clash between Iraqi side Duhok and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq. The two-legged final is set for April 8 and 15.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff