MUSCAT: Al Nahda secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bahla in their Omantel League Round 19 encounter at the Al Buraimi Sports Complex on Saturday.
During the first half, Al Nahda exerted strong pressure on Bahla's goal, creating several scoring opportunities that were not efficiently utilised. The most notable chance came in the fourth minute with a shot from Omar al Malki that hit the crossbar. In the ninth minute, Al Nahda succeeded in breaking the deadlock with a precise pass from midfield to Walter Sabwa, who slotted the ball into the net.
In the second half, Bahla attempted various strategies to equalise but without success. Despite an improved performance from their players, they struggled to effectively penetrate Al Nahda's defences. Despite Bahla's efforts in the dying moments of the game to level the score, Al Nahda's players maintained their superiority and defensive solidity.
The match concluded with Al Nahda winning 1-0, taking their tally to 36 points, and securing the second position in the standings. As for Bahla, they remained at 14 points, languishing in the 11th position, which is the first relegation spot in this season's league.
AL RUSTAQ HOLD OMAN CLUB
Al Rustaq and Oman club played to a goalless draw in a closely contested match at the Al Rustaq Sports Complex.
The first half witnessed intense competition between the two teams, both striving to take the lead in the standings. However, despite several attempts, including a header chance for Rustaq's Musab al Shuqsi hitting the crossbar in the 15th minute, neither side could break the deadlock, and the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, both teams intensified their efforts to score, exchanging relentless attacks. The coaches made tactical changes to motivate their players. Despite numerous opportunities for both teams, neither could find the back of the net, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
With this draw, Rustaq reached 25 points, temporarily occupying fifth position, while Oman Club reached 30 points, securing third in the league standings.
SOHAR DELAY SEEB PARTY
In the highlight match of the 19th week, Seeb drew with Sohar with a scoreless result at the Seeb Sports Stadium, marking a setback for the team for the second consecutive time.
The early minutes of the first half saw slight dominance from Seeb, but the technical performance was average from both sides, with play mostly concentrated in midfield without posing significant threats to the goalkeepers. In the 30th minute, the match witnessed the beginning of missed opportunities, notably for Seeb through a precise pass from Hamad al Habsi to Abdulaziz al Muqbali, which went unutilised. Despite Seeb's possession, clear-cut chances on Sohar's goal were few, and the first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Sohar initiated a chance to score through Alexander De Stefano and David Ndama, but to no avail. The coach of Al Seeb made changes to the line-up to invigorate the attack, while Sohar's coach also made offensive substitutions. Despite efforts, neither team managed to score, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
With this draw, Seeb's title celebration in the Omantel League is postponed, as they are now 12 points ahead of second-placed Al Nahda, who have two matches remaining. Seeb remain in the first position with 48 points, while Sohar increased their tally to 30 points in third.
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