28-04-2025
Oman clinch first-ever AHF Cup honours
Muscat: The Oman national hockey team clinched the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup title for the first time in its history after defeating Chinese Taipei 4-3 in the final on Sunday. Chinese Taipei finished as runners-up, while Bangladesh blanked Kazakhstan 3-0 to finish third.
With this triumph, Oman secured a spot in the Asia Cup finals, scheduled to be held next August in India. The AHF Cup competitions were hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 17 to 27, featuring 10 Asian teams competing over 10 thrilling days filled with high-level performances.
Oman and Chinese Taipei players in action during the final.
In the final, Chinese Taipei opened the scoring early through Cheng-Ze Wei, who capitalised on a through ball that penetrated the Omani defence and fired it beautifully into the net in the fourth minute.
Following the goal, Oman pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and Ayman nearly scored, but his attempt was unsuccessful. Chinese Taipei responded with a dangerous chance led by LI Chi-Hsuan, before Oman finally equalised through a successfully converted penalty corner by Rashad al Fazari. Oman continued to press for a second goal, with Elias al Noufali coming close, but the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.
At the start of the second half, Oman asserted clear dominance, creating several opportunities that were not fully capitalised on. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, relied on quick counter-attacks and earned a penalty corner, which Cheng-Ze Wei squandered.
Oman's pressure paid off when Shafi al Shafai scored a brilliant goal in the 22nd minute, following up on a rebound from the defence and slotting it into the net.
Oman players celebrate a goal in the final.
Soon after, Oman extended their lead with a third goal from Elias al Noufali, who benefited from a precise cross by Talal from the right wing, finding himself unmarked to tap the ball easily into the goal.
Despite Oman's strong defence, Chinese Taipei's Tsung-Yu Hsieh managed to weave through the defence, bypassing goalkeeper Ibrahim al Farsi to pull one goal back, ending the second quarter with Oman leading 3-2.
In the third quarter, both teams exchanged chances early on. Elias al Noufali missed a clear opportunity for Oman, while Tsai Chang-Yu wasted a dangerous chance for Chinese Taipei. Oman then earned a penalty corner taken by Rashad al Fazari, but it was blocked by the defence.
In the 43rd minute, Huang Lin-Yu scored the equaliser for Chinese Taipei with a powerful shot, bringing the match level once again.
However, Oman quickly regained the lead when Ayman scored the fourth goal after a beautiful assist from Elias al Noufali, who broke through the right flank and delivered a precise ball into the box. Oman closed the third quarter ahead 4-3.
The fourth quarter saw no changes to the scoreline despite efforts from both sides, and the referee's final whistle confirmed Oman's 4-3 victory.
Oman captain receives the trophy.
HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT
Mohammed Bait Jandal, head coach of Oman's national hockey team, expressed his great joy after the team's historic achievement of winning the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation Cup for the first time in its history, stressing that this triumph is a proud moment for every Omani, especially as it was the result of dedicated efforts by the technical and administrative staff.
Bait Jandal said: "The tournament was marked by a high level of play and strong competition, adding greater value to our victory. This achievement is not a coincidence but the result of collective effort and a sincere ambition to raise the nation's flag."
He noted that qualifying for the upcoming Asia Cup in India is among the most significant gains of this participation, extending his deep thanks to Dr Marwan Al Juma, Chairman of the Oman Hockey Association, the coaching and administrative teams, and the players who showed commitment and discipline throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Mohammed al Gharabi, team manager of the national team, said that winning the AHF Cup was the outcome of integrated efforts that started with an intensive training camp in Pakistan in early April, focusing on enhancing technical and physical aspects.
Al Gharabi added: "The camp significantly improved team coordination and players' fitness, which positively reflected on their performance during the tournament."
He affirmed that the team would continue its training programme in preparation for the Asia Cup, focusing on further developing players' skills and physical readiness, expressing confidence in the team's ability to achieve honourable results that reflect the progress of Oman hockey.
