Al Arabi lost out to FC AGMK of Uzbekistan 0-1 in a play-off of 2023-2024 AFC Champions League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Ruben Sanchez netted the all-important goal in the 70th minute of the game, in which both sides fought it out eyeing a berth in the group stage, the draw for which will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Al Arabi headed into the qualifiers after one of their most successful seasons in recent times. AGMK were also on a high after defeating Oman’s Al Seeb in the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League’s preliminary round last week.

Al Arabi, nicknamed The Dream Team, had finished second in the 2022-2023 season league championship with 49 points and won the prestigious Amir Cup.

The Uzbek side thus returned to the competition for the second time in their history after 2021.

Al Arabi’s Wassim Keddari came within a whisker of opening the scoring for the home side in the 22nd minute as he climbed and guided a header towards goal following a set-piece sent into the box, but his attempt narrowly missed the target.

Uzbek goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev was put to the test on the hour mark as Tunisian forward Yousef Msakni fired an effort from outside the box, but the AGMK goalkeeper made a flying save to tip it behind.

Siavash Haghinazari nearly scored a wonder goal midway through the second half after a string of intricate passes saw AGMK break into the rival penalty area and the Iranian midfielder looked to apply the finish, but his shot was collected by goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail.

AGMK’s goal came as Abdulla Abdullaev advanced down the left and delivered a low cross towards Sanchez who took it first time on the half volley, with his strike finding the back of the net off the crossbar.