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Observer
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Shabab edge Al Nasr in HM Cup semis
Muscat: Seeb and visiting Saham ended their match in a goalless draw while Al Shabab posted a 1-0 win over Al Nasr in the semifinal first-leg games of the His Majesty's Cup football championship late on Thursday. At Seeb Sports Stadium, Saham approached the game with a well organised defensive strategy and managed to impose their rhythm on the match, which lacked dangerous opportunities on both sides for most of its duration. This result contradicted expectations, which anticipated a more intense and thrilling encounter. The first half was evenly contested, with both teams exchanging control over the game. Seeb attempted to assert their dominance and created several scoring opportunities, but Sohar's solid defence and the brilliance of goalkeeper Hassan al Buraiki kept the hosts at bay. The most notable chance came in the 12th minute when Omar al Fazari fired a shot, but it lacked power and accuracy, making it an easy save for Al Buraiki. On the other hand, Saham relied on quick counter-attacks but failed to pose a real threat to Seeb's goal. The half ended with neither side managing to break the deadlock. In the second half, Seeb maintained their attacking pressure, utilising various offensive approaches, but Sohar's disciplined defensive organization made it difficult for the home team to find the net. Seeb had a dangerous opportunity in the 58th minute when Ali al Busaidy unleashed a powerful shot that went just wide of the post. Meanwhile, Saham continued with their counter-attacking strategy and almost snatched the lead in the 65th minute when Abdullah al Marikhi delivered a precise cross to Marwan al Ghafri, whose shot narrowly missed the target. With this draw, the decisive outcome is postponed to the highly anticipated second leg, scheduled for February 15 at Sohar Sports Complex, where both teams will battle for a spot in the final in a match that leaves no room for sharing points. Seeb and Saham players in action. Al Shabab Secures Crucial Win Al Shabab claimed a valuable 1-0 win over Al Nasr in their semifinal first leg clash at Al Saada Sports Complex, taking an important step towards the final of the His Majesty the Sultan's Cup. Al Nasr entered the match benefiting from home advantage and crowd support, dominating the first half. However, Al Shabab's well-organised defence successfully prevented them from finding the back of the net. The opening half saw few clear-cut chances, as both teams played cautiously, resulting in a goalless draw by half-time. At the start of the second half, Al Shabab came out strong and nearly opened the scoring in the first minute through a powerful strike from Ahed al Hadaifi, but the crossbar denied him. Al Nasr quickly responded with a dangerous header from Marwan Taib in the 48th minute, but Al Shabab's goalkeeper Abdulmalik al Badri made a brilliant save. Both teams continued to exchange possession without creating real goal scoring opportunities until the 64th minute when Hatim al Rushdi fired a surprise shot that was expertly saved by Ibrahim al Rushdi. As time progressed, Al Nasr began retreating defensively, allowing Al Shabab to increase their offensive pressure. This pressure paid off in the 76th minute when Hatim al Rushdi delivered a precise cross that Brazilian forward Johnson Lima headed into the net, securing the only goal of the match. Al Nasr pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Al Shabab maintained their composure and held onto their lead until the final whistle. With this victory, Al Shabab now hold a strong position ahead of the second leg, which will be played on their home ground on February 15, giving them an advantage in the race for a place in the final.
Observer
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Saham edge Al Nahda in penalties to enter semis
MUSCAT, JAN 29 Saham clinched a spot in the semifinals of the His Majesty's Cup for football after a thrilling 2-1 victory in a penalty shoot-out over Al Nahda, last season's runner-up. The match took place at Sohar Sports Complex in the second leg of the tournament's quarterfinals. Saham imposed itself from the start, managing to finish regular time with a 1-0 lead. This result mirrored the first leg's score, which had ended in Al Nahda's favour, pushing the teams into extra-time. However, neither side could break the deadlock, forcing the match into a penalty shoot-out, where Saham prevailed, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Hassan al Buraiki. Saham entered the match with a clear intent to score early and successfully dictated the tempo in the first half. They began on the offensive, pressing Al Nahda's defence from the opening minutes, utilising dynamic movements from their attacking line. Their efforts resulted in several goal-scoring opportunities, but Al Nahda's goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep his side in the game. On the other hand, Al Nahda relied on counter-attacks and the speed of their wingers, particularly Ahmed al Kaabi on the right flank. However, Saham's defence remained solid, thwarting Al Nahda's repeated attempts to break through. BREAKING THE DEADLOCK At the start of the second half, Saham maintained their attacking pressure, while Al Nahda became more effective on the flanks. Despite their efforts, they struggled to apply the finishing touch. In the 68th minute, Saham finally unlocked Al Nahda's defence when Bassam al Saadi found the back of the net, putting his team ahead. Following the goal, Al Nahda intensified their attacks, launching a relentless offensive in search of an equaliser. The match turned into sustained pressure on Saham's goalkeeper, Hassan al Buraiki, who produced several crucial saves. In the closing minutes, Saham's players retreated into their defensive lines, battling fatigue but holding firm until the final whistle, keeping the aggregate score level at 1-1. Both teams entered extra-time cautiously, with their attacking threat diminished due to fatigue. The game was reduced to long-range attempts that posed little danger to either goalkeeper. With the deadlock unbroken, the match went to penalties. Saham emerged victorious in the shootout, with goalkeeper Hassan al Buraiki making key saves against Al Nahda's penalty takers. His outstanding performance secured Saham's place in the semifinals, keeping their championship hopes alive.
