MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman’s representative, Seeb Club, are primed for a crucial showdown against India’s Sporting Clube de Goa on Wednesday as they eye to secure a place in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Group Stage. The match will be staged at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa at 6:00 pm (Oman time).
Under the technical leadership of experienced Romanian coach Valeriu Tița, Seeb are targeting to become the first Omani club to reach the group stage of the newly formatted tournament. The team arrived in Goa on Saturday to acclimatise to the local conditions and will hold several training sessions to fine tune both technical and tactical plans ahead of the encounter.
Seeb’s continental historic milestone was firmly established in 2022, when they famously lifted the AFC Cup, etching one of the greatest moments in Oman’s sporting history. The club, who clinched their fourth league title in the 2024/25 season, are now chasing up to add another chapter to their international success story.
The road to Goa has been marked by a busy pre-season for Seeb as Muscat based team played the Super Cup against Al Shabab, losing narrowly 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw. In the four-team friendly tournament in Salalah, Seeb edged past Al Nasr 2-1 before a tight 1-0 defeat to Oman’s Olympic team. A further friendly saw them defeat Dhofar 3-1, after which the squad returned to Seeb to continue preparations at their home base.
Earlier last month, Seeb have made a number of notable signings and renewals. Senegalese forward Abdulaziz Sesse joined Seeb squad while Marwan Tuaib al Siyabi returned to the club after a season with Al Nasr. Oman national team midfielder Abdullah Fawaz has signed a one-year deal, and striker Musab al Shaqsi arrived from Bahla Club. The club has also renewed contracts with seasoned stars including Mohammed al Musallami, Ali al Busaidy, Tamim al Balushi, Ahmed al Rawahi, Zaher al Aghbari, and Mutasim al Wahaibi ensuring a blend of fresh talent and experienced leadership.
The winner of the match between Seeb and Goa will progress to the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two, while the losing side will drop into the AFC Challenge League. Seeb’s ambitions are clear as they aim to build on last season’s quarterfinal finish in the AFC Challenge League where they bowed out to Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC, and make a resounding statement in Asia once again.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
