Oman Club maintains lead as Muscat strengthen bid for second place

MUSCAT: Oman Club continued its impressive run in the First Division Handball League for the 2025/2026 season after securing a narrow 26–25 victory over Seeb Club in Round Five of the final stage. The match took place at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
With this win, Oman Club raised its tally to 10 points, maintaining its position at the top of the standings and reaffirming its dominance in the competition after already securing an early place in the league final. Meanwhile, Seeb remained on four points, keeping its hopes alive in the race for the second qualification spot for the final.
The match was highly competitive throughout. Oman entered the contest determined to maintain its lead and extend its winning momentum. The team managed to establish control in the first half through strong defensive organisation and effective attacking play, ending the half with a 16–11 advantage.
In the second half, Seeb returned with a stronger performance after head coach Nabil al Balushi introduced several tactical adjustments that helped the team close the gap gradually. Seeb increased the pressure in the closing minutes, but the experience of Oman’s players proved decisive as they managed to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle, sealing a hard-fought one-goal victory.

In the other match of the round, Muscat Club strengthened its chances of finishing second after defeating Nizwa Club 30–21 at the same venue.
Muscat dominated the first half and went into the break leading 17–11 following a confident display and clear control of the game. The team entered the match determined to recover from its previous round defeat to Oman and revive its hopes of competing for second place in the standings.
Muscat maintained its superiority in the second half, capitalising on Nizwa’s decline in performance to extend the lead gradually before securing a comfortable 30–21 victory and moving up to six points.
Nizwa, on the other hand, suffered its fifth consecutive defeat in the second stage and remains without points, with only one match left against Oman Club.
The final round of the second stage will take place on Monday, when Nizwa faces league leaders Oman at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The match will be followed by a crucial encounter between Seeb and Muscat at the same venue.
A decisive playoff match to determine the second finalist will be held next Thursday between Seeb and Muscat. The winner will advance to face Oman Club in the league final scheduled for next Sunday.