Al Amerat stage comeback to beat Seeb
Muscat, May 5
Al Amerat Club kicked off their campaign in the preliminary round of the Oman Hockey League with a valuable 2-1 victory over Al Seeb Club in a match held on Sunday at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat, earning their first three points of the new season.
The match began at a moderate pace with visible caution from both sides, given the importance of the encounter as the opening test of the league. As the minutes passed, Seeb gradually took control of the rhythm, with the first dangerous opportunity falling to Fahad al Lawati, whose powerful shot went just wide. His teammate Osama al Shibli followed with a run into the circle and a strike that was saved by Al Amerat's goalkeeper.
Despite midfield efforts from Sami Awad for Al Amerat, trying to break through Seeb's defence, the attacking advantage remained with Seeb. Their pressure paid off with a penalty corner awarded in the final minute of the first quarter, which Khalid al Hassani successfully converted to give his team a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period.
In the second quarter, both teams continued their efforts to extend the lead or equalise. Al Amerat's Al Khadhir al Nawfali stood out with a strong performance, while Seeb maintained their offensive attempts, led by Al Hussain al Hassani. However, the score remained unchanged by the end of the quarter.
Al Amerat and Seeb players in action.
The third quarter was relatively quiet, marked by tactical caution and a slower tempo from both teams. Seeb focused on securing their backline and launched counterattacks through Osama al Shibli. Al Amerat, on the other hand, failed to capitalise on their chances, despite efforts by Abdullah al Nawfali, who attempted shots from outside the circle. With minimal real threats, the score stayed 1-0.
The final quarter witnessed a dramatic turnaround, as Al Amerat returned with renewed energy and determination to equalise. Just two minutes in, Ayman Faraj leveled the score after a well-orchestrated attack led by Sami Awad, who delivered the ball into the circle for Ayman to strike powerfully into the net.
Al Amerat gained momentum after the equaliser, with Abdullah al Nawfali leading several attacks, one of which hit the post. In the 57th minute, the team earned a penalty corner, which Ahmed al Nawfali converted to give Al Amerat a 2-1 lead. Seeb pushed hard in the closing minutes, mounting heavy offensive pressure, but Al Amerat's defence stood firm to secure a thrilling and well-deserved victory, marking their first win in the league.
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