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Al Shabab extend lead on top

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By Jaber Al Ajmi — MUSCAT: Feb. 26 - Leaders Al Shabab extended their lead at the top of Omantel Professional League (OPL) to four points as striker Loks scored hat-trick in a 3-0 dominant victory over Al Khabourah, while title rivals Dhofar suffered a 2-1 defeat against Al Suwaiq. Third-placed Al Oruba did not benefit from Dhofar’s loss as they also slumped to a 2-1 loss against Fanja. Al Shabab now lead the table with 35 points, four points clear of Dhofar, while Al Oruba are third on 26 points. At the bottom, Jalan were on course for a return to the First Division League as they suffered eighth loss and lie in the last place with only 10 points.


It is Al Shabab’s season as they swept all figures so far, most game winning (10 games) and less losses (only one lost), best attack (29 goals) and strongest defend (conceded 14 goals). At Seeb Sports Stadium, Brazilian striker Loks scored stunning hat-trick to inspire Al Shabab to keep their course for the first OPL title ever. Loks gave them the lead in the second minute from a penalty after a rough challenge by Al Khabourah’s defender Thani al Rushid, who was sent off as the fastest sending off in the OPL. Then it became easier for Al Shabab who controlled the ball and scored twice through Loks (36’, 66’).


“Great three points in our track to the title, and I am happy for my men who applied the instructions very well,” Al Shabab manager Salim Sultan said.


He added: “At this time, the points are more important than the performance level, but it is great that we have both.”


It is the third victory in row for the national manager Salim Sultan who replaced Waleed al Sadi. The team under his job won all three games and scored nine goals (three goals every game).


Al Khabourah’s loss sent them to relegation play-off with 16 points.


More good news came for Al Shabab from Sohar Stadium when Al Suwaiq defeated Dhofar 2-1. Goals from Teshi Teshi (16’) and Omar al Fizari (46’) gave the home side victory, stopping Dhofar who had gone into half-time level at 1-1.


It was a chance for Al Oruba to leapfrog Dhofar into second place but they fell to a 2-1 home loss against Fanja. Al Oruba were struggling in the second OPL stage as they lost two of their last three games. On the other hand, since losing 1-0 to Al Shabab last October, Fanja have gone all games without a loss, (winning 4 games and draw in 3), jumping to sixth place on 23 points.


“We travel to Sur in order to come back with full points, the hosts Al Oruba were better but we took advantage of two golden chances and scored them,” Fanja acting manager Suleiman Khamis said.


Former Oman national team goalkeeper Suliman al Mazroai added: “It looks very difficult to compete for the title this season but we will fight for the top flight, at least second or third places.”


In the other fixtures, Sohar came back to winning ways as they defeated Al Rustaq 3-2. Sohar enhanced their fourth place on 26 points, and approached Al Oruba, who have 28 points.


In the middle standing, Muscat and Al Nahda continued their good performance in the second OPL stage, registering second victory in a row. Muscat came back from behind to thrash Saham 3-1, while Al Nahda blanked bottom-dwellers Jalan 2-0.


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