MUSCAT: Seeb edged Bahla 6-5 in penalties to lift MG Cup at Seeb Stadium late on Friday. The regulation time ended in a goalless draw as both teams failed to break the deadlock.
Bahla could not retain their title as the HM Cup runners-up managed to clinch the only title for this domestic season. Seeb suffered a defeat against Al Nahdha in the final of HM Cup while their hopes are very low to defend their Omantel League title. The Muscat-based team is positioned currently in the sixth position with 29 points.
Bahla could not end their season with a title as they lost the MG Cup final encounter. At top-tier league, the team is currently in fifth place with 30 points and behind the league toppers Al Nahdha by 12 points.
Coach Rasheed Jaber’s men dominated the match through their active movements in the field specially in the box. Abdulaziz al Maqbali and Marwan Taeeb al Siyabi could not penetrate the net of Bahla goalkeeper Omar al Abri who saved many scoring attempts. Some attacks were created by Bahla players A hero, Abdulsalam al Shukaili and Arnest Ba Ohain but all their chances faced strong defence of Mohammed al Musallami and Juma al Habsi along with goalkeeper Motasim al Wahaibi.
EID NETS PENALTY WINNER
In the penalties, the draw between the teams continued until Fahad al Abdulsalam from Bahla missed his penalty while Eid al Farsi scored for Seeb.
Mohsin bin Hani al Bahrani, CEO of Automotive, Construction Equipment & Renewable Energy at MHD, was the chief guest for the final and gave away the medals and trophies. The final match of MG Cup was attended by officials of Oman Football Association (OFA), both clubs' representatives and other dignitaries.
Oman head coach Branko Ivankovic attended the final match and noted all his technical comments in presence of coaching staff members. With the completion of 2022-23 MG Cup, the only remaining domestic competition is Omantel League with seven more rounds to go.
In the 20th week of the top flight league, Al Suwaiq will meet Sur on Monday while Al Ittihad will face Al Rustaq and Al Oruba take on Al Bashayer. On Tuesday, Dhofar will play against Oman Club while Al Musannah will meet Bahla. League toppers Al Nahdha will take on Al Nasr on Wednesday.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
