Oman Club crowned OHL champions
MUSCAT: Oman Club continued their dominance in the Oman Handball League (OHL), securing their fourth consecutive title after a well-deserved 23-16 victory over Ahli Sidab in the final match. The game was held at the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher under the auspices of Dr Amer al Matani, CEO of the Development Institution at Oman LNG.
The match kicked off with high intensity, as Ahli Sidab's Kuwaiti professional Mahdi al Haddad nearly opened the scoring. However, Oman Club struck first through Sameeh al Azzani in the first minute. Algerian professional Mohamed Ihab doubled Oman's lead with a successful breakthrough of the opponent's defence.
Ahli Sidab responded quickly, with Azan al Maashari reducing the deficit by scoring his team's first goal. Muhannad al Zarafi later equalised from a penalty in the sixth minute. The back-and-forth action continued as Mahmoud al Jabri put Ahli Sidab ahead, but Sameeh al Azzani immediately restored parity for Oman.
Seeb players pose with their bronze medals.
Ahli Sidab pressed forward, with Azan al Maashari and Muhannad al Zarafi adding two more goals to take a 5-3 lead. Oman fought back, as Hani al Dughaishi narrowed the gap to 5-4. However, Al Zarafi extended Ahli Sidab's lead with two consecutive goals, while Oman struggled to penetrate a strong defence, reinforced by goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi's outstanding saves.
Mohammed al Araimi scored Oman's fifth goal from a penalty in the 18th minute, followed by a brilliant individual effort from Mohammed Ihab to bring the score to 7-6. Al Zarafi quickly restored a two-goal lead for Ahli Sidab with another penalty, before Salah al Dughaishi made it 9-6 from a fast break.
The fierce competition persisted in the final minutes of the first half. Ahli Sidab added another point, while Oman responded with two, reducing the deficit to just one goal at half-time, with Ahli Sidab leading 10-9.
The Oman Club captain receives the league shield.
SECOND-HALF COMEBACK
Oman Club entered the second half with renewed determination. Mohammed Ihab quickly equalised before Hamad al Dhughaishi scored on a counter-attack to give Oman an 11-10 lead. Ahli Sidab attempted to regain control, but goalkeeper Munir al Balushi's solid performance denied them. Mahmoud al Wahaibi extended Oman's lead in the seventh minute, but Muhannad al Zarafi responded for Ahli Sidab in the ninth minute, bringing the score to 12-11. Oman were awarded a penalty, but Hudhaifa al Siyabi made a crucial save. However, Mohammed Ihab swiftly made up for the missed opportunity with two successive goals, increasing Oman's lead to 14-11 by the 13th minute.
Ahli Sidab make a scoring attempt as Oman Club players defend.
Oman maintained their offensive pressure, with goals from Taher al Hadidi and Nasr al Tamimi. Ahli Sidab's Mohammed al Zarafi fought to close the gap, but Oman remained in control. Mohammed al Dughaishi further extended the lead, though Al Zarafi managed to reduce it again, making it 17-13 in Oman's favour.
In the final minutes, Oman Club completely dominated the game, scoring six additional goals while Ahli Sidab managed only three. The match ended with Oman securing a decisive 23-16 victory, reinforcing their supremacy in Omani handball by winning the championship for the fourth consecutive season.
Oman Club players celebrate after winning the Oman Handball League title.
SEEB THIRD
In the third-place playoff, Seeb Club edged out Muscat with a 22-21 victory to secure the bronze medal.
Following the final match, the guest of honour, alongside Musa al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Handball Federation, awarded the winning teams. Oman Club were crowned league champions receiving the championship trophy and gold medals. Ahli Sidab finished as runners-up, earning silver medals, while Seeb secured third place and the bronze medals.
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