Jakarta Casual

Today sees the AFC Cup return after a lengthy hiatus with Qadsia taking on Al Jaish in Kuwait City. It will certainly be a funny old game with the Syrian visitors having just won their local league while the hosts haven't kicked a ball in anger since their season ended in May.

These circumstances probably mean both coaches have their excuses ready and primed with one suggesting they have just started pre season training and the other saying they have come off the back of a long season!

Qadsia of course are the holders and will probably go into the game as slight favourites but Al Jaish have AFC Cup pedigree of their own having won the trophy back in 2004.

Having lost the services of Omar Al Soma, Qadsia will be looking to new striker, Congolese Doris Fuakumputu to hist the ground running after being brought in from Saudi club Al Fateh where he averaged almost a goal every other game.

Another new foreigner looking to impress will be Seydouba Soumah, a 24 year old midfielder from Guinea who Qadsia have signed on loan from Slovan Bratislava.

Looking to gel the new recruits as quickly as possible will be the evergreen Bader Al Mutawa. The 30 year old has been with Qadsia since 2002 and scored almost 200 goals in his career since as well as clocking more than 150 caps for the national team. With three goals already in the competition the experienced Al Mutawa will be pivotal to Qadsia's chances in the first leg if they are to reach the semi finals.