ICEM edge UTAS, Muscat College beat OLA

MUSCAT, FEB 27
The first Oman Logistics Academy Higher Education Institutions Championship 2026, branded Koorathon, continued at Goal One Stadium in Al Athaiba, bringing together leading universities and colleges in a competitive sporting initiative designed to strengthen integration between the academic and logistics sectors while fostering teamwork and leadership skills among students.
On the third day of competition, two Group 3 matches delivered excitement and intensity as teams battled for early qualification advantages.
In the opening match, the International College of Engineering and Management (ICEM) secured a valuable 1–0 victory over the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). The match began at a high tempo, with Ali al Balushi scoring the decisive goal early in the first half, giving his side a psychological edge and enabling them to dictate the rhythm of play.
Despite efforts from the University of Technology to respond, the ICEM's disciplined defensive structure and tactical organisation limited clear scoring opportunities. The second half saw continued relative control from the ICEM, while their opponents struggled to produce effective attacking threats, resulting in a deserved win that strengthens the ICEM's qualification prospects.
OLA SUFFER DEFEAT
In the second Group 3 fixture, Oman Logistics Academy (OLA) suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to Muscat College in a fast-paced and closely contested encounter.
Mahmoud al Balushi opened the scoring for the Academy in the first half, but Ahmed al Ghazali equalised for Muscat College after sustained attacking exchanges. In the second half, the OLA maintained greater possession but failed to capitalise on their chances. Muscat College, however, seized a decisive late opportunity, with Al Ghazali netting his second goal of the match to secure all three points.
With these results, competition intensifies in Group 3, while Oman Logistics Academy face mounting pressure to revive their qualification hopes in the upcoming rounds.
The championship reflects the OLA's broader vision of positioning sports as a platform for leadership development and student wellbeing, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 objectives to empower youth and prepare them to lead Oman's promising sectors, particularly logistics.