MUSCAT: Oman’s representative, Al Nahda club, are all set to play the AFC Cup 2023-24 Play-off against Bahrain's Al Khaldiya SC on Tuesday at the latter’s home in Manama city, Bahrain. The match will begin at 8 pm (Oman time) at Khalifa Sports Stadium.
With just one triumph against the Bahraini club, the Al Buraimi-based club will aim to secure a slot in the group stage as the draw will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.
Al Nahda’s delegation arrived in Manama city on Saturday and began their warm-up sessions ahead of the thrilling encounter. The defending champions of HM Cup and Omantel League, coached by national head coach Hamed al Azani, will work hard on keeping the title of 2023-24 AFC Cup under Omani club name after Seeb Club had won the title for the previous edition in 2022. The team made history for Omani clubs as they won the continental competition after defeating Kuala Lumpur City FC 3-0 in the final.
However, Seeb suffered a 1-0 loss against Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC recently in the AFC Champions League preliminary round.
Al Nahda began their matches in the 2023-24 top flight league with a 1-1 draw against Al Shabab at Al Rustaq Sports Complex. After the match, the players reported back to their training and the coaching staff focused during the latest training sessions on addressing the weakness areas besides improving the technical and tactical sides ahead of the Asian tie.
IMPROVED RESULT
The Al Buraimi-based club will aim the fifth attendance to be different than the previous presences. Al Nahda reached the semifinals of the AFC Cup in the 2008 edition and they are looking for a better result this edition after ending the play-off on a winning note.
Al Nahda had an external camp ahead of the new season in the UAE and played several friendly games. They played out a 1-1 draw with Saudi’s Al Riyadh club before going down to UAE’s Al Wasal club 2-0. The abroad camp in UAE helped the team to shape their readiness for the new season and the crucial AFC Cup Play-off.
On the other hand, the Bahraini side will enter the match with their fans' support and they will eye a maiden attendance at the AFC Cup. It is expected the match will be tight between the both parties as they will look for the victory and move forward in the AFC Cup.
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