Sur beat Ibri to boost survival hopes

MUSCAT: Sur claimed an important 2-1 victory over Ibri at Nizwa Sports Complex, producing a strong second-half response to secure three valuable points in the Jindal League and improve their position in the standings.
The match began at a lively pace, and it was Ibri who made the brighter start. The home side capitalised on an early defensive mistake by Sur’s Abdulaziz al Ghailani, allowing Ali al Balushi to press high, win possession and drive a powerful effort past goalkeeper Bilal al Balushi in the fifth minute. The early breakthrough gave Ibri confidence and briefly shifted momentum in their favour, as they looked to build on the advantage.
Sur, however, gradually settled into the contest and began to find more rhythm in possession. The two sides traded attacking moves for much of the first half, with neither team able to create sustained pressure in the final third. Ibri looked dangerous in transition, while Sur continued to search for openings through direct play and movement behind the defence.
The visitors found their way back into the match in the 41st minute when they were awarded a penalty. Foreign player Axel May stepped up and calmly sent his effort to the right of goalkeeper Omar al Matroushi to bring Sur level before the break. The goal arrived at an important moment and changed the complexion of the contest heading into the second half.

Sur returned from the interval with greater purpose and completed the turnaround five minutes after the restart. Axel May once again played a decisive role, breaking through the Ibri defence before delivering a pass that found Waleed al Saadi in front of goal. The latter made no mistake, finishing well in the 50th minute to put Sur ahead for the first time in the match.
Ibri attempted to respond and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Sur’s defence remained compact and disciplined in the latter stages. While the home side managed to get into promising areas, their efforts lacked the final touch needed to seriously trouble the visitors. Sur, meanwhile, looked the more composed side as the match progressed, managing the tempo effectively and limiting Ibri’s attacking threat.
The result lifted Sur to 22 points in eighth place, giving the side a timely boost as the league enters its decisive stretch. For Ibri, the defeat left them on 20 points in 13th place and increased the pressure in the battle to avoid relegation.