Al-Qadsiya and Duhok players fighting for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, April 16: Former Al-Qadsiya and national team coach Mohammed Ibrahim, known as “The General,” has commended Zeljko Petrovic for his successful tenure with the team, emphasizing the positive impact the Montenegrin coach has had on the squad this season.

Ibrahim highlighted the Al-Qadsiya board of directors’ strong support for the team, along with the technical and administrative staff’s efforts in maintaining high player focus, especially with the added strain of frequent travels for the Gulf Champions League alongside local tournament commitments.

Reflecting on the team’s challenges before the Gulf Champions League final, Ibrahim noted the difficult circumstances Al-Qadsiya faced. The team was without Hussein Dhahiri due to suspension, Moaz Al-Dhafiri was injured the day before the match, and the loss of Khaled Ibrahim, who was forced off injured in the first half, was another setback. Despite these challenges, Ibrahim praised the technical staff’s management of the match and their decision to include young talents like Khaled Sabah, Faisal Al-Shatti, Jassim Al-Matar, and Abdullah Mutawa.

Ibrahim congratulated the Qadisiya players, the board of directors, and the administrative and technical staff, led by Sheikh Fahad Talal, for their outstanding performance in the Gulf Championship despite the obstacles they faced.

Following their return from Iraq, Al-Qadsiya resumed training today in preparation for their upcoming match against Al-Tadamon on Sunday in the second round of the tournament’s group stage.

In the final, Al-Qadsiya suffered a 2-1 loss to Iraqi club Duhok in the second leg of the Gulf Champions League the day before yesterday.

In post-match comments, Petrovic criticized the referee’s decisions, stating, “It’s difficult to win under these conditions. The referee didn’t award many free kicks to my team, but he was quick to give them to the home side.”

The emotional coach was seen tearing up after Omani referee Qassim Al-Hatmi blew the final whistle.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Soula, Al-Qadsiya's Libyan professional, pointed to a lack of concentration in the final moments of the match as the key reason for the team’s defeat.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff