Seeb top Al Nasr, Dhofar down Al Shabab

MUSCAT, JULY 30

The 2025 Khareef Club Tournament heated up as the second round kicked off, bringing plenty of excitement and competitiveness. Dhofar secured a hard-fought victory over Al Shabab with a narrow 1–0 win, while Seeb confirmed their readiness to compete for the title with an important 2–1 triumph over Al Nasr.

In the first match, tactical caution dominated the first half between Dhofar and Al Shabab, with both sides closing down spaces and playing disciplined defence, leaving few chances to break the deadlock. The first real threat came in the 21st minute when Brazilian forward Gioulison Lima fired a shot that failed to trouble Dhofar goalkeeper Mazin al Kasbi.

Dhofar responded with a dangerous attack led by Abdullah Zahir in the 27th minute, but Al Shabab keeper Abdulmalik al Badri was alert to the danger. The first half ended goalless, with fans eagerly anticipating a different scenario in the second half. Early in the second half, Dhofar capitalised on a defensive lapse from Al Shabab. A long ball found Abdullah Zahir, who controlled it well, weaved through the defence, and fired a powerful shot into the net in the 51st minute to put his team ahead. Al Shabab thought they had equalised in the 73rd minute, but their goal was overturned after a VAR review for offside. Despite late pressure from Al Shabab, Dhofar’s defence and goalkeeper held firm until the final whistle. In the second match, Seeb dominated Al Nasr with attacking intent from the start. Zahir al Aghbari opened the scoring in the 20th minute after a precise pass inside the penalty area. Al Nasr’s situation worsened when Abdullah al Musharafi was sent off in the 39th minute. However, they quickly found an equaliser just two minutes later when Molhem al Sunaidy exploited the goalkeeper’s advanced position, lobbing the ball into the net to level the score before halftime. In the second half, Al Seeb made full use of Al Nasr’s numerical disadvantage, piling on sustained attacking pressure. Al Aghbari struck again in the 65th minute, finishing off a well-timed pass from Abdulaziz al Maqbali to restore the lead. Despite Al Nasr’s efforts to equalise, Seeb’s organised defence preserved their advantage until the final whistle.

DECISIVE CLASHES

This evening will see two decisive clashes that will determine the finalists. The Oman Olympic team faces Seeb in a crucial battle for the top spot in Group B, while Al Nahda take on Al Shabab in Group A in a do-or-die encounter, with both teams eyeing a place in the final.

In Group B, the Olympic team heads into their match against Seeb with high concentration. Coach Badr al Maimani relies on gradual build-up play and exploiting wing speed, a tactic that was evident in their comfortable win over Al Nasr in the opening match. However, the clash against Seeb will be a bigger test for the team’s defensive resilience, especially against Seeb’s dangerous attacking duo led by Zahir al Aghbari, who netted both goals in the previous round. The Olympic team will need to control the game tempo and limit space for Seeb’s key playmakers.

As for Seeb, coached by Romanian Valeriu Tita, the objective is clear: secure qualification. The team has shown great efficiency in converting half-chances and benefits from the experience of its players in high-stake matches. Seeb is expected to apply high pressure in the opening quarter to seek an early goal that could disrupt the Olympic team’s plans.

In Group A, the Al Nahda-Al Shabab clash promises to be a tactical battle. Al Nahda will aim to continue their winning run after defeating Dhofar in the opening round. They are known for their defensive discipline and quick counter-attacks, making use of their pace in transitions.

Al Shabab, on the other hand, will play under pressure as they need a win to bounce back from their defeat to Dhofar in the second round. The team is well-organised in midfield but needs greater attacking efficiency in front of goal.