By Jaber al Ajmi — MUSCAT: Feb. 22 - Saham secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Bahrain’s Al Muharraq in the 2017 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2017 opener. In a five-goal thriller, veteran striker Mohammed al Ghasani fired Saham’s strips by scoring the winning goal just three minutes before full time, late on Tuesday at Seeb Sports Stadium. “This is a great start for us, to open the AFC Cup with a victory against top club like Al Muharraq who have good achievements in Asian football is even pleasing,” Saham manager Serbian Zoran said.
“It is a very important win in an important competition for Saham and Oman football,” he added.
Visitors Al Muharraq imposed their style of play in the first 15 minutes, taking the lead thanks to Dutchman Gregory Nelson. But the hosts kept their composure and searched for the equaliser, which came after a close range finish from Bader al Jabri in the 32nd minute.
Mohsen Jawhar, who was one of the best players, gave Saham the lead for the first time after he scored a fabulous goal with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area just two minutes before half time.
Zoran said: “As we did in last 3-4 games, we started the game badly. But after conceding a goal, we came back and a played good football with good possession and controlled the game.”
Al Muharraq entered the second half with enthusiasm to score the equaliser and had some chances before they were awarded a penalty. The spot kick was converted neatly by midfielder Abdulla Yaser in the 51st minute.
Serbian Zoran then made two substitutions in order to boost the attack and wings by bringing in Musaab al Sharqi and then Moatasem al Shibli.
Al Shibli took advantage from Mohsen Jawher’s long ball before he sent it to Mohammed al Ghasani, who fired the winner as the stadium erupted in the 83rd minute.
Saham, who is making their second appearance in AFC Cup after their first participation in 2010, are battling for three competitions so far ( OPL, HM’s Cup and AFC Cup) and it needs a lot of work to continue at the same level.
The Saham manager said: “We will be facing tough days as we will have to play one game in every three days. It might be normal in Europe or in Saudi league but not for us, but we will do our best to make good results.”
He added: “Our goals this season are to reach His Majesty’s Cup final as we did last year, finish OPL in the 5-8 places and to honour Oman football in Asia by going as far as possible in AFC Cup.”
In the other fixture of the same group, Munther Abu Amara inspired the Jordanian Al Wehdat to beat Lebanon’s Al Nejmeh 1-0 to level with Saham with three points at the top of the group.
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