The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth's 2025 Government Institutions Football Eights Tournament continues this evening with the quarterfinal matches, featuring four intense clashes. The first match will see Muscat Municipality face Royal Court Affairs, while the second match will bring together the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources and the Ministry of Education. In the third match, the State Audit Institution will go up against the Diwan of Royal Court, while the fourth match will feature the Ministry of Labour against the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Matches will take place at Al Amal Sports Club Stadium.
Round of 16 results
The Round of 16 witnessed thrilling encounters, with Muscat Municipality securing a victory over the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion through a 3-2 penalty shootout. Meanwhile, the Supreme Judicial Council defeated the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources 2-1. Royal Court Affairs advanced after winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout against the Central Bank of Oman, while the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economy triumphed with a 2-0 victory. Additionally, the State Audit Institution overcame the Ministry of Energy and Minerals 2-1, while the Ministry of Labour dominated the Consumer Protection Authority with a 3-0 win. The Diwan of Royal Court secured their quarterfinal spot after defeating the Ministry of Information in a 4-3 penalty shootout. In the final match, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology emerged victorious over the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in a 4-2 penalty shootout. Commenting on the tournament, Sameer al Azri, a player from Muscat Municipality, stated, "The Football Eights Tournament for Government Institutions has become a prestigious event that fosters fair competition between government entities. It provides employees with a unique sporting atmosphere that enhances interaction and strengthens relationships among participating institutions. Our qualification for the quarterfinals reflects our team’s strong performance, especially considering the fierce competition we have encountered. The first-round groups were highly competitive, with only slight differences determining qualification. Moreover, many teams featured experienced players who have previously represented Omani clubs and the national team, which added intensity and excitement to the matches." Al Azri also highlighted that Muscat Municipality’s ambition aligns with that of all competing teams — to achieve the best possible results and reach the final. He praised the support of the Muscat Municipality President and the continuous encouragement from the Chairman of the Sports Activities Committee, noting that their backing has played a significant role in boosting the team’s morale.
Top scorers
Following the Round of 16, Murshid al Balushi from the Ministry of Labour leads the tournament's top scorers with five goals, followed by Jassim al Hinai from the Supreme Judicial Council with four goals. In third place is Abdullah al Balushi from the Ministry of Labour, also with four goals.
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