MUSCAT: Ten-time champions Dhofar will face defending champions Al Nahda in an exciting final of the 52nd edition of His Majesty the Sultan's Cup football championship final to be held on Friday at the Khasab Sports Complex in Musandam Governorate.
Dhofar enter the match hoping to salvage their season after falling out of contention for the Omantel League title. Dhofar will rely on their history and experience in the tournament as the team with the most wins, as well as the ambition of their players to claim the title.
Al Nahda, on the other hand, are looking to retain their title and continue their success under the leadership of their national coach Hamad al Azani. Al Nahda will rely on their stars, as well as their strong team spirit, to win the match.
On their way to the HM Cup final, Al Nahda scored 5 goals and conceded 2. Dhofar scored 7 goals and conceded 3. Al Nahda qualified for the Round 8 of the competition by defeating Sur 1-0, while Dhofar managed to overcome this hurdle by defeating Saham 2-1.
In the quarterfinals, Al Nahda faced Seeb in an early final over two matches. After a strong show from both sides, Al Nahda managed to secure their place in the semifinals by winning 2- 1 in the first leg, while the two teams drew 0-0 in the second leg. Dhofar reached the last four by defeating Oman Club by an aggregate score of 4-2 over the two matches, beating Oman Club 2-0 in the first leg and drawing 2-2 in the second leg.
In the semifinals, there was a fierce battle between Al Nahda and Al Nasr, with the former securing their place in the final by drawing 1-1 in the first leg at the Al Buraimi Sports Complex and then winning 1-0 in the second leg at the Al Saada Stadium.
Dhofar reached the final of the prestigious competition at the expense of Bahla, as the first leg ended in a goalless draw, before Dhofar, cheered by the home crowd, won 1-0, securing their place in the final to face Al Nahda.
It is also worth noting that VAR technology will be used for the first time in Oman in the HM's Cup final at the Khasab Sports Complex in Musandam Governorate.
In addition, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has appointed Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam, to patronise the final of the long-standing tournament.
The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams evenly matched.
Dhofar's experience and history in the competition could give them an edge, but Al Nahda will be highly motivated to retain their title.
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