Seeb stay clear as JL Round 18 ends in string of draws

MUSCAT: Seeb tightened their grip on top spot in the Jindal Football League after a 2-0 win over Bahla, while three other Round 18 fixtures ended level as the race across the table remained finely balanced.
Seeb continued their strong march at the summit with a solid 2-0 victory over Bahla, thanks to a brace from Abdulmajeed al Balushi.
The win took Seeb to 45 points, further underlining their authority at the top of the standings as they maintained their advantage over nearest challengers Al Shabab and Al Nasr. Bahla, meanwhile, remained on 28 points in sixth place.
SAMAYIL HOLD DHOFAR
Samayil and Dhofar shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Seeb Stadium in a match that saw both sides produce contrasting spells of control.
The first half was evenly contested, with Dhofar showing greater attacking intent early on and pressing Samayil’s back line, while the hosts remained organised and looked to threaten on the counter. Dhofar’s task became more difficult after a player was sent off, forcing the side to continue with 10 men.
Despite that setback, Dhofar struck first in the 57th minute through Sultan Badr, who finished off a quick move to put his side ahead. Samayil, however, responded well and found the equaliser seven minutes later when Ahmed al Jabri headed home in the 64th minute.
The result moved Samayil to 19 points in ninth place, while Dhofar reached 18 points in 10th.
SOHAR, IBRI SHARE SPOILS
Sohar and Ibri settled for a goalless draw in a match that offered little attacking quality at Sohar Sports Complex.
Much of the contest was played in midfield, with both teams relying on wide areas without managing to turn possession into clear scoring opportunities. Neither side was able to test the opposing goalkeeper consistently, and the second half followed much the same pattern.
The draw saw Sohar move to 31 points in fourth place, while Ibri stayed in 13th on 14 points.
AL SAADI STRIKE SAVES SUR
Sur snatched a dramatic late point in a 1-1 draw against Al Nahda at Sur Sports Complex.
The home side nearly made the perfect start when Fahd al Hajri struck the post in the third minute, but Al Nahda soon settled and took the lead through Berry Marie in the seventh minute after a strong opening spell.
Sur continued to push forward in search of a response, while Al Nahda remained dangerous on the break. The home side created several chances in the second half and kept up the pressure deep into stoppage time before Waleed al Saadi finally found the equaliser in the 92nd minute.
The draw lifted Al Nahda to 30 points in fifth place, while Sur moved to 15 points in 11th.