MUSCAT, MARCH 10
Oman Club were crowned champion of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Handball (MoCSY) Shield after a well-deserved 33-22 victory over Ahli Sidab in the final match held on Sunday evening at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The event took place under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education and President of the Oman School Sports Association.
With this triumph, Oman Club secured the domestic treble for the season, adding the Shield title to their Oman League and Super Cup victories. Meanwhile, Seeb Club claimed third place after an exciting 27-26 win over Muscat Club.
The final match began at a fast pace, with Oman Club displaying high energy and taking advantage of their strong attacking lineup. Ahli Sidab attempted to impose their style, but Oman’s defensive duo, led by Nasr al Tamimi and Mohammed al Dhaghishi, effectively closed spaces, thwarting the attacking efforts of Mohannad al Zarafi and Abdulhakim al Siyabi.
Oman Club's first goal came through Tahir al Hadidi, who capitalised on a fast break after intercepting a misplaced pass from Ahli Sidab. Shortly after, Mohammed EIhab doubled the lead with a powerful shot from outside the area, leaving goalkeeper Huzaifa al Siyabi helpless.
Ahli Sidab attempted to narrow the gap through Mohannad al Zarafi, but Oman’s goalkeeper Munir al Balushi pulled off a brilliant save, launching a quick counterattack that ended with Asaad al Hassani scoring a third goal. Oman continued their offensive pressure, with Nasr al Tamimi and Khalid al Jabri adding two more goals, extending the lead to 5-1.
Ahli Sidab fought back, with Mohannad al Zarafi scoring a second goal for his team after an impressive individual effort. However, their struggle continued as they missed multiple chances, while Oman capitalised on their opponent’s errors. Mohammed al dhaghishi and Mohammed Ihab added two consecutive goals, increasing the score to 10-3.
Before halftime, Oman Club exploited Ahli Sidab's defensive lapses, scoring four more goals, while Ahli Sidab managed just two. The first half ended with Oman leading 20-7.
Oman Club resumed the second half with the same offensive intensity, but Ahli Sidab had an early surprise, as goalkeeper Huzaifa al Siyabi managed to score after noticing Oman’s goalkeeper out of position. However, Tahir al Hadidi quickly responded, scoring his seventh goal to widen the gap to 21-8.
Ahli Sidab tried to reduce the deficit but rushed attacks and the continued brilliance of goalkeeper Munir al Balushi kept them at bay. As the match progressed, Oman’s superior physical fitness became evident, allowing them to capitalise on fast breaks. Mohammed Ihab and Salah al Naseri scored back-to-back goals, extending the lead to 24-10.
Despite efforts from Mohannad al Zarafi and Abdulhakim al Siyabi to mount a comeback, Oman remained clinical in attack. Mohammed al Dhaghishi and Hamad al Dhaghishi added more goals, pushing the score to 27-12 by the 45th minute.
In the final moments, both teams exchanged attacks, with Ahli Sidab scoring ten goals in an attempt to narrow the margin, while Oman Club added six more. Referee Khamis al Wahaibi blew the final whistle, confirming Oman Club’s 33-22 victory, securing their third major title of the season and reaffirming their dominance over the competition.
Picture by: Hussein al Muqbali
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