Sur dominate Muscat to enter HM Cup last 16

MUSCAT: In an opening match of the preliminary round of the His Majesty's Cup Football Championship, Sur Club showcased their prowess and emerged triumphant with a resounding 4-1 victory against Muscat. The match unfolded on Tuesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Stadium.

From the onset, Sur demonstrated their attacking flair and maintained high possession, which swiftly translated into the first goal of the match. Yousef al Mukhaini skillfully netted a header from a corner kick in the second minute, setting the stage for an action-packed

encounter.

While Sur maintained control and persistence in their offensive plays, Muscat sought to adopt a defensive strategy with counter-attacks. Muscat striker Kayutia seized an opportunity but misfired, missing a golden chance to level the score. However, they managed to equalise the score in the 40th minute with a well-executed cross from the left side, beautifully converted by Irfan al Salami.

Undeterred by the equaliser, Sur rallied back and secured their lead in the 47th minute as Yousef al Mukhaini brilliantly headed a free kick into the net to end the first-half with a 2-1 lead.

The second-half started with hard attacks from Sur players trying to score the third goal. From the right side, a low cross was sent that was deflected by Muscat defence and ended up in front of Mohammed al Makhaini, who struck it powerfully into Muscat net in the 50th minute,

scoring the third goal for Sur. Muscat players tried to reduce the gap, but they lacked attacking effectiveness and density during the counter-attacks.

From an attack from the right side and a perfect cross, the ball reached Mamoun al Araimi unmarked to put it directly into the net in the 78th minute, scoring the fourth goal for Sur. After that, the match witnessed violent interventions, and Sur had several opportunities to add

another goal. The referee then blew the whistle, announcing the end of the match with Sur victory over Muscat 4-1.

With this win under the leadership of their Tunisian coach Abdelhaleem al Araimi, Sur advanced to the HM's Cup round of 16, where they will face Al Nahdha, who won the domestic double last season.