The 2014 AFC Cup champions returned to the competition after a four-year absence following a FIFA ban on Kuwaiti football.
A quiet opening period only came to life ten minutes before the break as the hosts threatened for the first time through Martin Toshev.
The Kuwaiti defence failed to clear a Hussein Dakik cross, and the Bulgarian striker pounced on the rebound, but his miscued effort was cleared off the goal line.
As the first half reached its final minute, Qadsia’s Yousef Naser broke free on the counter. After a long pass sent him through on goal, but Hussein Monzer apprehended him. The Al Ahed man instantly received his marching orders, sending him into the dressing room a minute before his teammates.
Al Ahed’s woes could have been compounded seconds later as Ahmad Al Saleh’s misplaced pass was collected by his fellow Syrian international Israa Hamwia who rifled from short distance, but goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil tipped it behind for a corner kick.
With no goals at the restart, Qadsia continued to retain possession while Al Ahed looked to hit on the counter.
Ahmed Zreik could have made a 52nd minute quick break count after he dispossessed a defender, exchanged passes with Toshev, before trying his luck from a narrow angle. However, goalkeeper Khaled Al Rashidi was quick to Qadsia’s rescue.
Qadsia legend Bader Al Mutawa looked to add to his 28 AFC Cup goals, but his free-kick 20 minutes into the second half sailed high.
The home crowd held their breath as substitute Ronald Ngah rose highest and powered in a header from Al Mutawa’s corner, but Khalil punched it away. Al Dhefiri drilled the rebound into the side netting.
Al Ahed travel to Bahrain to face Malkiya on March 12, while Qadsia welcome Oman’s Al Suwaiq on the same day on Matchday Two.
