14-05-2025
Seeb, Bahla reach OFA Cup final after dramatic semis
MUSCAT: Seeb Club successfully secured their spot in the final of the Oman Football Association (OFA) Cup after a goalless draw against Al Nasr at Al Saada Stadium on Tuesday. Seeb benefited from their 1-0 victory in the first leg, qualifying on aggregate. The match saw an average performance from both sides, particularly in the first half, which failed to live up to expectations due to a lack of clear attacking threat. Most of the action was concentrated in midfield without any real danger on goal. Al Nasr came close to scoring in the 33rd minute when Osama Magdy delivered a cross that Marwan Taeeb headed towards goal, but Seeb goalkeeper Ahmed al Rawahi made an impressive save. Seeb responded in the 44th minute with a powerful shot from Jameel al Yahmadi, which was brilliantly saved by Al Nasr's goalkeeper Saif Mustafa, ending the first half in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Al Nasr showed more urgency in attack, pressing hard on Seeb's defence but lacking precision in final attempts. Seeb nearly sealed the match in the 51st minute through Kamara, but his attempt narrowly missed the post. Despite ongoing efforts from both teams, the match ended in a goalless draw, confirming Seeb's qualification to the final based on their first-leg advantage.
Bahla and Sohar players fight for the ball.
BAHLA THROUGH DESPITE DEFEAT
Bahla Club advanced to the final on Tuesday, despite a 3-1 loss to Sohar in the second leg of the semifinal held at Nizwa Sports Complex. Bahla secured their place in the final after the Oman Football Association ruled in their favour, awarding them a 3-0 win for the first leg, despite their actual 1-0 defeat on the pitch, due to Sohar's fielding of an ineligible player.
This ruling gave Bahla the aggregate advantage, securing their place in the final.
The second leg saw Sohar start strongly, taking the lead early with a powerful strike from Mohsen al Khaldi in the eighth minute. Bahla responded through Abdul Salam al Shukeili to level the score. Sohar continued to press, and Saud al Muqbali added a second goal in the 43rd minute after a solo run through Bahla's defence, ending the first half with a 2-1 lead for Sohar.
In the second half, Sohar maintained their dominance, and Saud al Muqbali scored again in the 61st minute with a similar move to his earlier goal. Despite Sohar's continued efforts to add a fourth goal that could overturn the aggregate result, the match ended 3-1, which wasn't enough to change the outcome.
With this result, Bahla reach the final for the fourth consecutive time, while Seeb make their third consecutive appearance. The two teams are set to face off in an anticipated showdown at Seeb Stadium next Sunday, with Bahla aiming to avenge their previous final loss to reigning champions Seeb.
