MUSCAT: Seeb’s four-match winning streak came to an end on Monday when Bahla stunned Omantel League leaders 3-2 in the 22nd week of the top-flight league.
Bahla's win delivered an advantage to the top teams including Al Nahda and Dhofar. Al Nahda benefited from Seeb’s defeat as they jumped to second place with 45 points and reduced the gap to two points only after they edged Muscat 2-1 at Al Buraimi Sports Complex. Dhofar missed the opportunity after they were held to a draw by Sohar.
Against Bahla, the Muscat based team took the lead through top-scorer of Omantel League Mohsin al Ghassani in the 9th minute. The visitors bounced back with Mohammed al Shukaili scoring the equaliser in the 20th minute.
Then, Abdulsalam al Shukaili and Polo put Bahla two goals ahead with successive goals in the 37th and 55th minutes, before Eid al Farsi reduced the gap to one goal in the 68th minute.
The triumph did not change a lot in Bahla's position in the relegation zone at 12th position with 17 points. However, there are 12 points more in the forthcoming rounds and that may help Bahla to get away from the danger area. Bahla will meet Al Nasr, Dhofar, Muscat and Nizwa in the remaining four rounds.
Al NAHDA EDGE MUSCAT
Jordanian player Oday al Qura powered Al Nahda to a crucial 2-1 win over Muscat at Al Buraimi sports Complex. Coach Hamed al Azani’s men managed to return to winning ways after their defeat in the previous week against Dhofar.
The victory took Al Nahda to second position in points table order at 45 points while Muscat remained at 18 points in the 10th position and suffered their fourth successive defeat. Any further losses may relegate the capital city team into the first division league.
Al Qura gave Al Nahda a second-minute lead, before he struck the second goal again later to make it 2-0. The consolation goal of Muscat club was netted by Mundher al Wahaibi.
Dhofar missed a golden opportunity to lessen the gap to one point as they dropped two points from their goalless draw against Sohar at the latter’s home. The Salalah giants will meet Al Ittihad, Nizwa, Al Nasr and Seeb in the remaining weeks of the league.
In the other fixtures of week 22, Al Nasr edged Al Ittihad 2-1 to remain in fifth place while Saham received another shock as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Nizwa. The loss meant Saham are much closer to relegation into the first division league. The match between Oman club and Al Musannah ended in a goalless draw while Al Rustaq and Al Suwaiq’s game finished at 1-1.
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