Latest news with #MuhannadalZarafi
Observer
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman edge Philippines to move into semis
MUSCAT: International Handball Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan Moustafa was all praise for the hosts Sultanate of Oman for its excellent organisation of the underway AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship – Muscat 2025 which acts as qualifiers to the IHF World Championship. 'The Sultanate of Oman had improved and shaped up very well in their organising capabilities specially when it comes to the big events including the continental and global championships. Oman has once again demonstrated its exceptional capability in hosting continental and international tournaments with high efficiency and professionalism. Oman is no stranger to hosting global events. The Sultanate of Oman previously organised the IHF Beach Handball World Championship in 2012 successfully and it reaffirms these days its readiness and capability to host the world's largest handball events. The country offers an integrated infrastructure, qualified human resources, strong logistical and organisational capacities, and institutional support from the government and relevant stakeholders,' the IHF chief said. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. 'What truly distinguishes Oman is the presence of strong sports leadership, a passionate and loyal fanbase, and highly skilled players who bring both talent and spirit to the game. These factors strongly support the growth and future of handball in the country,' the Egyptian official said. Speaking on the ongoing Asian Championship in Muscat, Dr Moustafa responded: 'The Asian tournament has showcased a high technical level with exciting competition and the emergence of new talents across participating teams. The presence of an elite group of referees and coaches has positively contributed to the quality and credibility of the tournament,' he said. Dr Moustafa affirmed that the IHF's eagerness to further enhance cooperation with the Oman Handball Association in the near future, praising Oman's strategic vision and global commitment to the development and promotion of handball. 'I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Handball Association, and all public and private entities that contributed to the success of this important Asian championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the IHF Beach Handball World Championship. Oman has truly set a benchmark in excellence.' International Handball Federation President Dr Hassan Moustafa attends a match in Muscat. OMAN INTO SEMIS Oman advanced to the semifinals of the AHF Asian Handball Beach Championship following their thrilling 2-1 over Philippines in penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. This is the second time in the tournament that Muhannad was named as best player as he had previously earned the honour in the match against Hong Kong. Earlier in the group stage, Oman's goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi received the Best Player award in the match against the Maldives. Furthermore, Oman's Asaad al Hasani took the Best Player award in Oman's match against Saudi Arabia in the concluding group fixture. In earlier quarterfinal matches, Pakistan overcame Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 win while Jordan beat Hong Kong 2-0. In the last quarterfinal clash, Iran secured a 2-0 victory over the Maldives. In the women's competition, Philippines defeated Hong Kong 2-0, and Vietnam continued their dominant form with a 2-0 win over India. Vietnam maintained the top position in the standings, followed by the Philippines in second, India in third and Hong Kong in fourth. Meanwhile, the IHF has announced an expansion of the 2026 Beach Handball World Championship as the number of participating teams were increased to 32 including 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams. From the Asian continent, the top two teams in each category from the Muscat 2025 championship will secure the qualification.
Observer
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
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.
