Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar’s Al Arabi will play Al Qadsia of Kuwait in their opening Group B match of the Gulf Club Champions League, organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.
The prestigious tournament, inaugurated in 1982 as the GCC Club Championship, sees clubs from across the Gulf region compete for the coveted title and a grand prize of $3m.
Alongside the top reward for the champions, the runner-up will take home $1m. Each club will receive $300,000 for their participation, and additional incentives for semi-final qualification and away match wins.
The Dream Team will aim to begin their campaign on a confident note under coach Anthony Hudson, looking to bounce back from their recent loss to Al Shamal in the Ooredoo Stars League.
"Tomorrow’s match represents an opportunity for the Arab team to compensate for the previous loss against Al Shamal in the round,” Hudson told media during a press conference in Doha on Tuesday, on the eve of the match.
"The team, as always, will strive to achieve the desired results in the defensive lines within the group,” the American said.
Hudson admitted that the Group, which also includes Bahrain’s Al Riffa and Saudi side Al Ettifaq, poses a balanced competition.
"All teams have a strong chance to qualify for the semi-finals, which makes the competition balanced and fair,” Hudson added.
For his part, Al Arabi midfielder Luis Martin said, "I’m happy to participate in the Gulf Championship and excited for tomorrow’s match as we aim to achieve victory,” Martin said.
"The match won’t be easy, but we aim to make our fans happy and achieve our first win in the tournament,” he added.
Al Qadsia coach Zeljko Petrovic, said they are well prepared for the match.
"We have prepared well for tomorrow’s match and we have the desire to achieve a result that satisfies our ambitions,” Petrovic said.
The Montenegrin said his team is aware of Al Arabi’s strength, noting that the Qatari club has several star-class players.
"Al Arabi are one of the strong teams and includes in their ranks many distinguished players, led by the Italian Marco Verratti, who has great experience thanks to his various experiences in Europe,” Petrovic said, indicating the stage is set for a mouth watering clash.
In other Group B action on Wednesday, Al Ettifaq will host Al Riffa.
Group A action got underway on Tuesday, with Iraq’s Duhok beating Yemani side Al Ahli Sanaa 2-0, and Al Nasr getting the better of Oman’s Dhofar 5-2.
The group stage will run until February 2025, with matches scheduled on November 5, 6, 26, 27, December 3, 4, and February 4, 5 next year. The last leg will be on February 18, 19.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, held from March 4 to 12, 2025, with the finals on April 8 and 15.