MUSCAT: The Oman national hockey team secured second place in the International Tri-Nation Friendly Hockey Tournament after a thrilling 2-1 loss to the Egyptian team in the final match, held at the Suez Canal Stadium.
The match began with clear caution from both sides, with most of the first quarter's play confined to midfield. There were a few tentative attempts from both teams to break through the defences. Oman relied on well-organised counterattacks, while Egypt focused on building attacks from the back. Despite some individual efforts, neither side managed to score, and the first quarter ended in a goalless draw.
The second quarter saw both teams take a more offensive approach. In the 25th minute, Oman celebrated its first goal when player Issam Barazahan successfully converted a penalty corner, placing the ball perfectly into the difficult corner past the Egyptian goalkeeper.
This goal ignited the match and pushed the Egyptian team to intensify their offensive pressure from both flanks and through the centre. Oman was forced to retreat defensively to maintain their lead. However, Egypt responded quickly in the 28th minute, when Ahmed El Geneiny took advantage of a cross inside the box and confidently struck it into the net, equalising the score at 1-1. Both sides continued to attack, with goalkeepers shining at both ends, but the score remained unchanged by the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter was quieter in terms of goals but marked by a tactical battle between the coaches. Oman tried to regain the lead through flank plays and individual breakthroughs, while Egypt focused on possession and short passes. Oman had two dangerous chances through player Khalid al Shoaibi, but the Egyptian goalkeeper made brilliant saves. In response, Egypt's Ahmed Karim fired a powerful shot that narrowly missed the post. The quarter ended without any goals, with the 1-1 draw still intact.
Both teams entered the final quarter with relative caution, but Egypt's determination to win was evident. After sustained pressure, Ahmed Karim scored the winning goal in the 52nd minute following a well-organised attack that broke through the Omani defence.
Oman tried to come back in the closing minutes, launching several dangerous attacks, notably through Mohannad al Wahaibi, but the Egyptian defence held firm until the final whistle.
The match saw several green cards issued: Egypt’s Ziad Adel received one in the 19th minute, followed by team-mate Ziad Esmat in the 34th minute, and Ahmed Zakaria in the 46th minute. On the Omani side, Ayman Madit received a green card in the 50th minute, reflecting the tension and intensity of the final moments of the match.
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