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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Ahli Sidab crowned OHL champions

Salalah claim second spot, Al Nasr finish third
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Muscat, Oct 10


Ahli Sidab were crowned champions of the Oman Hockey League for the third consecutive time after defeating Salalah 1-0 in the final, while Al Nasr secured third place after a 2-1 win over Seeb. The final matches of the OHL 2024 edition were held at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat on Wednesday night.


The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of Eng Sami bin Salem al Sahib, Deputy Executive President for Corporate Strategy at Jindal Company, and in the presence of Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of the Oman Hockey Association.


The final match began cautiously, with the first quarter ending in a goalless draw, as both teams traded attempts, with a slight advantage for Ahli Sidab. Despite having more possession, Ahli Sidab couldn't capitalise on their chances due to Salalah's strong defensive organisation, relying on pressure in their half and closing down spaces.


In the second quarter, the pace of the game increased noticeably. Ahli Sidab dominated possession and began to impose their rhythm on the match, creating several organized attacks, but luck wasn't on their side to convert those chances into goals. On the other hand, Salalah players tried to exploit counter-attacks to threaten Ahli Sidab's goal, but their defence remained solid. The quarter ended in another goalless draw.


The third quarter saw continued pressure from Ahli Sidab, who earned a direct free hit that nearly led to the first goal, but Salalah’s goalkeeper made an excellent save. Both teams exchanged attacks, but the finishing in front of the goal was lacking, leaving the score tied as tension built between the teams.


In the final quarter, Ahli Sidab maintained their high-press strategy, forcing Salalah players to retreat and defend deep in their half. Ahli Sidab intensified their attacks, and in the 51st minute, Rashad al Fazari scored the only goal of the match with a brilliant strike from a free hit. After the goal, Salalah tried to push forward in search of an equaliser and created a few dangerous chances, but Ahli Sidab’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm. The match ended with a 1-0 victory for Ahli Sidab, who celebrated their league title amidst great joy from their fans.


AL NASR PREVAIL


In the third-place play-off, Al Nasr secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Seeb after a closely contested match. Seeb opened the scoring early in the sixth minute through Khalid al Batashi, taking advantage of their strong start. Despite Al Nasr’s repeated efforts, the first quarter ended with Seeb leading 1-0.


In the second quarter, Al Nasr increased their pressure, and Akram Ashour equalised in the 20th minute with a powerful shot. The competition between the two teams continued without further goals until the end of the second quarter. In the third quarter, Ashour scored again in the 34th minute, putting Al Nasr ahead.


In the final quarter, Seeb tried to stage a comeback with continuous pressure, but Al Nasr’s defence held firm until the end, securing the 2-1 win and third place.


Awards Ceremony


Ahli Sidab were crowned champions of the 2024 Oman Hockey League, receiving the championship shield and gold medals. Salalah secured second place and earned silver medals, while Al Nasr took third place and were awarded bronze medals.


In the individual awards, Ahli Sidab's Rashad al Fazari won the top-scorer award with seven goals. Ayman Faraj from Salalah was named the best player of the tournament and Salalah's goalkeeper Amjad Abdullah won the best goalkeeper award.


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