MUSCAT; Salalah hockey giants Al Nasr fought back to claim their ninth His Majesty’s Cup champions trophy with a 5-2 win against 12-time winners Ahli Sidab in the final in Muscat on Sunday.
The re-scheduled final at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex saw Al Nasr bounce back from a two-goal deficit and hammer five consecutive goals to emerge victors.
Chief guest Salim bin Mustahail al Maashani, Adviser to the Diwan of Royal Court, gave away the trophies in presence of top Oman Hockey Association officials and other dignitaries.
Ahli Sidab got into action early in the final as they struck in the fourth minute itself with a brilliantly converted penalty corner.
Ahmed al Shuaibi slotted it neatly into the net as Al Nasr goalkeeper Fahad al Noufali had no chance.
In the next minute itself, Ahli Sidab increased the lead after a quick move and former Indian international Rupinder Pal Singh made it 2-0 with a firm shot.
Al Nasr earned their first penalty corner in the eighth minute but could not break the Ahli Sidab defence as they clearly dominated the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Al Nasr pressed hard from the start and won a penalty corner. After back-to-back two penalty corners, Ahli Sidab conceded a third one.
Abdul Hanan Shahid finally got through the defence of Ahli Sidab goalkeeper Ibrahim al Farsi to make it 2-1.
At the start of the third quarter, Al Nasr were quickly up to their task as Osama al Khamis guided the ball to the net after a strong shot by his team-mate as the score became level at 2-2.
Coach Mohammed al Battrani had reinvigorated the team and Al Nasr were a better side after rectifying their mistakes in the first-half.
Ahli Sidab missed a close chance in the 37th minute as the onrushing forward could not tap the cross inside to the Al Nasr net.
In response, Al Nasr’s quick counter attack saw the chance missed by a whisker.
In the 41t minute, Al Nasr came up with a fine move and captain Bassim al Rajab hit the target past Ahli Sidab goalkeeper Fahad al Noufali. The referee first disallowed the goal but was reinstated after a video review by the third umpire.
Al Qadir al Nofli made it 4-2 in the 48th minute for Al Nasr. Al Noufali easily slotted in the ball to the net in a one-to-one situation with Ahli Sidab keeper Fahad al Noufali.
Ahli Sidab earned a penalty corner in the 52nd minute but could make use of it.
Three minutes before close, Ahli Sidab got another penalty corner but the shot was just wide as the score remained 4-2. Another two penalty corners also could not break the solid defence of Al Nasr.
In the counter, Al Nasr confirmed their triumph with the fifth goal to lead 5-2 with a minute to go. Abdul Hannan Shahid netted his second goal of the final.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
