Muscat: Defending champions Seeb began their campaign at the 2022-23 Omantel League strongly as they edged newcomers Al Bashayer 3-0 in the opening round. Abdulaziz al Maqbali, Ksmoos Dawoda and Marwan al Siyabi scored for Seeb to deliver the first winning points for their team.
The triumph kept the Super Cup champions on the top of the league table order. Seeb will meet Al Musannah in the second round on Thursday.
At Sur Sports Complex, hosts Sur registered the first surprise in the top-flight league after beating Al Musannah 1-0 earlier on Thursday. Khalid al Alawi’s goal in the 28th minute ensured Sur's victory in the fixture. Al Suwaiq made a positive start as they edged past Al Oruba 2-1 on Thursday in the same venue.
Eleven-time champions Dhofar shared one point as they were held to a goalless draw by current runners-up Al Nahda at Al Buraimi Sports Complex. The top clash of the first week did not register any goals from both teams. The Al Buraimi representatives will face Oman club while Dhofar will host Sur in the next week's matches.
On Friday, Al Rustaq recorded an essential 2-0 win over hosts Bahla at Nizwa Sports Complex to snatch the first three winning points. Al Ettihad’s Ahmed Mustahil's goal in the second half assisted to force a 1-1 draw with Oman club at the former's home in Al Saada Sports Complex on Saturday. Sohar’s Ali al Hashmi scored the winner against Al Nasr to deliver a crucial three points for his team in the opener on Saturday at Sohar Sports Complex.
Five wins and two draws were the outcome of the opening round in Omantel league.
The round featured scoring 11 goals with an average of 1.5 goals in each match. This rate of the goals indicate more tough matches in the forthcoming rounds. Head coach of the national football team, Branko Ivankovic, and his coaching staff were keen to attend different matches in the first week of Omantel league. The Croatian coach ensured on following up the technical level of players and their physical readiness for the new season. It is expected the national team will have an internal camp soon and the squad will be announced during the coming few weeks.
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