Al Nahda team secured a remarkable victory in the Omantel League, claiming the premier Oman football league title for the fourth time in its history. In a thrilling match held at Al Buraimi Stadium, Al Nahda defeated Al Musannah with an impressive scoreline of 3-0 in the 25th round on Friday night.
Al Nahda ensured the 2022-23 season's OL crown by reaching 55 points with one more match to go. Second-placed Al Suwaiq, who were held by Bahla 4-4 on Friday, remained six points behind on 49 points with no chance of overtaking Al Nahda.
Al Nahda showcased their exceptional skills as they dominated the game, with Ahmed al Kaabi scoring a goal in the 15th minute, followed by Ali al Rashidi in the 51st minute and Al Mundhir al Alawi in the 88th minute.
This achievement marks a double triumph for Al Nahda, as they were also crowned champions of the His Majesty's Cup earlier this year, after a remarkable victory against Al Seeb in the final match.
In another eventful match, Al Suwaiq faced Bahla in the 25th round, resulting in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Bahla Stadium. Despite their strong performance, Al Suwaiq continued to drop points in the tournament's final matches.
Bahla's goals came from Ahiro Carter, who scored from a penalty kick in the 18th minute, Walid al Mesli with two goals in the 21st and 29th minutes and Abdul Hameed al Mandhari in the added time of first half (45th + 3 minutes). Al Suwaiq responded with goals from Mamadou in the 44th minute and Essam al Subhi in the 60th minute. Mamadou then secured two additional goals in the 63rd and 88th minutes.
SEEB FIGHT FOR SECOND SPOT
The runners-up position was still up for grabs as Al Seeb, finishing in third place, defeated Al Nasr with a convincing 3-0 scoreline in another match at Al Seeb Stadium.
Mohammad al Habsi, Abdulaziz al Muqbali, and Mohsen al Ghassani scored the goals for Al Seeb, narrowing the points gap with Al Suwaiq to just one point.
With Al Seeb now at 48 points, just one point behind Al Suwaiq's 49 points, the final round of the league will determine the runners-up position.
The Oman Football Association recognises the significance of the runners-up position, as it determines the second participant in the Super Cup match. Since Al Nahda, the league champions, are also the Sultan's Cup winners this season, the OL runners-up team will earn the opportunity to compete in the Super Cup.
AL RUSTAQ, DHOFAR WIN
Al Rustaq defeated Al Bashayer 2-0 in the match that was played at Nazwa Complex.
Al Rustaq scored two goals through Musab al Maamari and Ibrahim Awad bringing their tally to 43 points in fourth place.
In another thrilling encounter, Dhofar blanked Al Oruba 2-0.
Hussein al Shahri and Lubaga were the goal scorers for Dhofar, bringing their tally to 42 points, placing them in fifth position, just one point behind Al Rustaq in fourth place.
The upcoming 26th round will prove crucial in determining the fourth-place team as Dhofar face Al Ittihad, who have already been officially relegated to the First Division League after the 24th round. Al Rusatq will face Sur.
Sohar team tied with its counterpart Oman Club 1-1 at Sohar Stadium.
The result deprived Sohar (37 points - sixth) and Oman Club (36 points - eighth) any chance to catch up to top five in the final round.
Walid al Matroushi scored the goal for Sohar, while Daoud al Jabri netted for Oman Club.
Additionally, Sur secured a 3-1 victory against Al Ittihad at Al Ittihad Stadium in Salalah.
Mohammad Rabie, Mohammad al Najashi, and Sultan al Ramadi scored the goals for Sur in the match, while Al Ittihad managed to score one goal through Kay Wade.
With this result, Sur's points tally rose to 27, solidifying their position in 11th place, which ensures their survival in the league. The victory provided Sur with renewed motivation to compete for the 10th place, especially after Al Nasr's defeat to Al Seeb, freezing their tally at 30 points.
To secure the 10th place, Sur need to win their final round match against OL champions Al Nahda, and rely on Al Nasr's defeat against Bahla, who currently occupy the seventh position.
OMANTEL LEAGUE POINTS TABLE
(Team, matches, won, draw, loss, goal difference, points)
Al Nahda 25 16 7 2 26 55
Al Suwaiq 25 15 4 6 11 49
Al Seeb 25 13 9 3 21 48
Al Rustaq 25 12 7 6 4 43
Dhofar 25 12 6 7 12 42
Sohar 25 11 4 10 4 37
Bahla 25 10 7 8 3 37
Oman Club 25 9 9 7 2 36
Al Musannah 25 6 12 7 -3 30
Al Nasr 25 7 9 9 -4 30
Sur 25 8 3 14 -7 27
Al Ittihad 25 4 5 16 -20 17
Al Oruba 25 3 7 15 -23 16
Al Bashayer 25 3 3 19 -26 12
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