Al Nahda staved off a fightback from Al Khaldiya to book a place in the AFC Cup 2023-24 group stage with a 3-2 win in their playoff tie at the Muharraq Club stadium in Arad last night.
Despite playing away, Al Nahda settled quickly and only needed seven minutes to go ahead, with forward Issam Abdallah Al Sabhi finding the back of the net.
Al Khaldiya tried to find their way back into the tie but Al Nahda’s resolute defending meant they took their lead into the break.
The home side started the second half on a high note but their bid to find the equaliser cost them in the 54th minute, with midfielder Omer Mohammed Al Malki doubling Al Nahda’s advantage.
Forward Ismaeel Abdullatif pulled one back for Al Khaldiya in the 69th minute but Samie Al Sinaidi restored Al Nahda’s two-goal advantage with his 75th minute strike.
To their credit, Al Khaldiya refused to give up and gave themselves a glimmer of hope when defender Seydina Dabo netted in the 83rd minute but there was to be no comeback for them as Al Nahda held on for the win.
Al Nahda will now look forward to tomorrow’s group stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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