Ahli Sidab sweep Masirah in HM's Hockey Cup opener

MUSCAT, NOV 3
Ahli Sidab made a powerful start to their campaign in the final rounds of the 55th edition of His Majesty's Hockey Cup 2025, after securing a convincing 6–1 victory over Masirah in the opening Group 5 match held at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat.
The match began at a fast pace with both teams exchanging attacks in search of an early goal. Ahli Sidab broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through Rashid al Fazari, who converted a penalty corner to put his team ahead 1–0. Masirah did not take long to respond, as Khalid al Balushi equalised in the 13th minute after a well-organised attack that exploited a defensive gap. However, the joy was short-lived, as professional player Pardeep Singh restored Ahli Sidab’s lead in the same minute, ending the first quarter 2–1 in their favour.
In the second quarter, Ahli Sidab tightened their grip in midfield and applied strong pressure on the ball carrier, which resulted in a third goal in the 27th minute through Mohamed Zamir from another penalty corner. This quarter was marked by Ahli Sidab’s defensive discipline and closing down spaces in front of Masirah’s key players, who relied on counter-attacks but failed to pose real danger. The first half ended with a well-deserved 3–1 lead for Ahli Sidab.
At the start of the third quarter, Ahli Sidab continued their attacking approach and variation in playing styles, allowing Mohammed Zamir to score the fourth goal in the 33rd minute from yet another penalty corner, confirming his team’s tactical and physical superiority. Masirah’s performance declined, and they failed to threaten goalkeeper Ahmed bin Khalfan al Naabi, with the third quarter ending 4–1.
Ahli Sidab entered the final quarter with great confidence given the comfortable lead, yet they did not settle for game management; instead, they continued applying pressure and increasing their goal tally. In the 55th minute, Hamid bin Salim al Fazari scored the fifth goal from a penalty corner, before Pardeep Singh sealed the scoring with a coordinated team move in the 57th minute, securing a 6–1 victory in a match that left Masirah with no chance of a comeback.
DHOFAR, SALALAH IN THRILLING DRAW
On the same field, the second match of the group ended in a thrilling 4–4 draw between Dhofar and Salalah.
Group 5 matches continue on Tuesday at the same venue, with Ahli Sidab facing Dhofar at 6 pm, followed by Masirah vs Salalah at 8 pm.
The final rounds are being held from November 2 to 12 at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat, with the participation of the Elite and Challenge categories. The eight qualified clubs have been divided into two groups: Group 5 includes Ahli Sidab, Salalah, Dhofar and Masirah, while Group 6 comprises Seeb, Al Amerat, Qurayat and Sohar.