Al Nahda fight back for point as Seeb fall in Iraq

Muscat, Sept 17
Oman’s representatives made a mixed start to their AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 campaigns on Wednesday, with Al Nahda earning a 1-1 home draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun and Seeb suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Iraq’s Al Shorta.
At the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, Petrus Boumal’s 81st-minute header rescued a point for Al Nahda after Rakan al Tulayhi had put Al Taawoun ahead on the hour.
The visitors began with greater purpose and forced goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi into early action, particularly through Younis El Bahraoui. Al Nahda took time to settle but gradually found their rhythm, with Djavan Anderson having an effort ruled out for offside during their best first-half spell.
Scott Calderwood’s side showed more attacking intent after the break, yet their lack of numbers in the final third and the space between midfield and attack repeatedly reduced the impact of promising moves.
BOUMAL NETS EQUALISER
Al Taawoun punished that lack of cutting edge in the 60th minute. Substitute Al Tulayhi collected Oskar Dorley’s pass and drove the ball beyond Al Rushaidi to give the Saudi side the lead.
Al Nahda responded with greater urgency and were rewarded nine minutes from time. Substitute Jamal al Wahshi delivered a corner, and Cameroon midfielder Boumal rose powerfully to head home.
Al Taawoun almost regained the advantage moments later when Abdulrahman Hendi’s header struck the crossbar, before Al Rushaidi denied Mohammed al Aqel deep into added time.
The draw leaves Al Nahda and Al Taawoun on one point in Group C, behind Al Rayyan, who opened with a 4-3 win over Al Faisaly. Al Nahda next travel to Jordan to face Al Faisaly on October 14 before hosting Al Rayyan on October 28.
AL SHORTA EDGE SEEB
At Al Zawraa Stadium in Baghdad, Seeb produced a disciplined display but left empty-handed after Hussein al Saedi scored the only goal in the 51st minute, converting Cristian Barco’s delivery.
Florin Motroc’s men remained compact during the opening half and looked to attack quickly in transition. Nasser al Rawahi found useful positions, while goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini and the defence kept the Iraqi side at bay before the interval.
The goal prompted a more adventurous response from Seeb. Axel Méyé, Zahir al Aghbari and Ali al Busaidi pushed higher, and Méyé forced Al Shorta goalkeeper Jalal Hassan into an important save.
Seeb also appealed for a penalty after substitute Hassan al Ajmi went down inside the area, but Uzbek referee Zayniddin Alimov waved play on. Despite sustained late pressure, the Omani champions could not find an equaliser.
Al Shorta therefore lead Group D with three points, while Al Hussein and East Bengal have one each following their 2-2 draw. Seeb remain without a point, but their organised performance, particularly after falling behind, offered encouragement for the five group matches ahead.