Saham hold Al Nahda as Bahla’s winning run ends

MUSCAT, SEPT 22
Abdulmaeen al Marzouqi struck a late equaliser to earn Saham a 1-1 draw with Al Nahda, while Al Nasr twice came from behind to hold Bahla 2-2 in the third round of the Sohar International Cup. Al Shabab secured a 1-0 victory over Al Musannah in the other fixture.
At Al Buraimi Sports Complex, Al Nahda appeared on course for victory before Al Marzouqi’s well-placed free kick in the 82nd minute secured Saham’s first point of the campaign.
The match began evenly, with Saham seeking openings through the middle and playing long balls behind the defence. Al Nahda responded with an effective offside trap, while using short passes and attacks down the flanks to establish control.
Marwan Taib gave the hosts the lead in the first half and almost doubled his tally before the interval. Breaking clear of the defence, he attempted to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, who reacted well to deny him.
Al Nahda missed another opportunity immediately after the restart before Saham threatened twice at the other end. Both coaches made changes as the contest opened up, with the visitors gradually gaining the initiative and forcing Al Nahda deeper.
Saham’s pressure eventually brought its reward when Al Marzouqi curled his free kick into the far corner. Al Nahda pushed forward in search of a winner, but Saham’s defence held firm to secure a share of the points.
AL NASR FIGHT BACK
At Al Saada Sports Complex, Bahla’s perfect start ended as Al Nasr fought back twice in an entertaining Group One encounter.
Hosni al Hinai put Bahla ahead after just three minutes, finishing a counterattack with a shot past goalkeeper Rashad Abdulhamid. Al Nasr responded four minutes later when Tiemori Keita converted a penalty.
Bahla then suffered an injury setback as goalkeeper Ibrahim al Kindi was forced off and replaced by Al Muhtadi al Abri. However, they regained the lead in the 20th minute through Yazid al Rawahi.
Osama Magdi went close to equalising before the break, driving into the penalty area before shooting narrowly wide, but Bahla retained their 2-1 advantage at the half-time.
Al Nasr resumed with greater urgency, and Al Baraa al Maawali fired wide in the 48th minute. Al Hinai threatened at the other end shortly afterwards, also sending his effort off target.
The equaliser arrived in the 65th minute when Luis Paulo met a cross with a header that beat Al Abri.
Neither side could find a decisive finish during the closing stages, leaving Bahla on seven points after their opening victories over Sur and Dhofar.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab edged Al Musannah 1-0 to register their first victory following draws against Seeb and Al Nahda.