Al Nahda and Seeb teams advanced into semifinals of the prestigious 2022-23 HM Cup Football Championship.
Al Nahda’s progression into the last-four stage was confirmed after they registered a difficult win over Al Oruba in penalties 8-7. The second leg match of quarterfinal ended in favour of Al Oruba 3-1 on Thursday in Sur Sports Complex. Al Nahda had won the first leg by 3-1 on January 30.
In a late match on Thursday night, Seeb were held to a goalless draw by Al Shabab in the away game of the quarterfinals at Al Rustaq Sports Complex. The draw was not enough for the South Batinah team as Seeb had won their home game 1-0 in Seeb Stadium on January 30.
In Sur, Al Oruba were very close to oust Al Nahda from the tournament. Coach Farooq Abdullah’s men netted three goals during the deciding match and Dakheel al Yahmadi struck the opening goal in a header in the 26th minute.
Abubaker Dimba Kamara equlaised for Al Nahda in the 50th minute. The last ten minutes of the game were crucial as Al Asim al Harthy scored the second goal for Al Oruba in the 81st minute after benefiting from the mistake by Al Nahda defender Ahmed al Matroushi.
GOALKEEPERS SHINE
Three minutes before the end of the match, Frank William registered the most important goal in the 88th minute as he sent a strong ball towards Al Nahda’s goalie Ibrahim al Mukhaini who could not save it. The result remained same during the additional time.
In the penalty shoot-out, Ibrahim al Mukhaini saved a kick by Yousef al Mukhaini from Al Oruba to take Al Nahda into the last-four stage of the coveted cup.
The defending champions and Al Shabab delivered a top match and the Southern Batinah-based team missed many chances. Al Baraa al Mawali missed a penalty in the 68th minute as Seeb’s goalie Ahmed al Rawahi saved the kick to keep Seeb’s chances for the semifinals. After the draw, Seeb went through courtesy of their 1-0 win in the first leg.
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