Muscat, Aug 11
The Ittihad Daghmar Football Team, representing Muscat Governorate, were crowned champions of the Amateur League after an exciting victory over Al Muladah, representing Al Batinah South Governorate, in a penalty shootout that ended 3-1, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.
The final, hosted at the Seeb Sports Stadium in front of a large official and public turnout that filled the stands, was held under the auspices of Sayyid Suleiman al Busaidy, Chairman of the Oman Football Association.
The match kicked off at a fast pace and with great enthusiasm, as both teams exchanged attacks from the opening minutes, each creating genuine chances to score. Al Muladah came close with a dangerous effort by Ayoub al Busaidy that went just wide, while Daghmar responded with an attempt by Abdullah al Ghamari, which was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 40th minute when Daghmar were awarded a free kick near the goal. Abdullah al Ghamari met it with a precise header into the goalkeeper’s right corner, giving his team a 1-0 lead that they maintained until half-time.
In the second half, Al Muladah altered their approach, applying sustained pressure on Daghmar’s defence with numerous crosses and shots, eventually equalising in the 66th minute through Ayoub al Busaidy, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score. The momentum then swung in Al Muladah’s favour, and in the 78th minute, Youssef al Saadi rose to meet a corner kick, heading the ball into the net to put his side ahead. However, Daghmar responded strongly, launching forward and levelling the score in the 83rd minute with a powerful long-range strike that found the back of the net.
The closing minutes were filled with tension, as Ali bin Dhahi nearly clinched the win for Al Muladah with a fierce shot from outside the box, but the outstanding goalkeeper Abdullah al Ghamari made a superb save, turning it into a corner.
The match ended 2-2, sending both sides to a penalty shoot-out.
Al Ghamari once again shone, saving three spot-kicks, while his teammates converted three penalties compared to only one for Al Muladah, securing Daghmar’s first-ever Amateur League title amid jubilant celebrations from players and fans.
HADRI BILAD THIRD
In the third-place playoff of the Amateur League, Hadri Bilad, representing Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, claimed a 2-1 victory over Al Ghashbah, representing Al Batinah North Governorate, in a match marked by balanced play from both sides. Mohammed al Rasbi opened the scoring for Hadri Bilad in the 14th minute, before Hamad al Alawi doubled the lead in the second half. Al Ghashbah pulled one back in the 90th minute when Al Alawi inadvertently scored an own goal.
Despite Al Ghashbah’s late push for an equaliser, Hadri Bilad held on to secure third place.
After the final whistle of the Amateur League championship match, the patron of the event, the OFA chairman, honoured the match’s refereeing and administrative teams, as well as the standout players of the league. Qais bin Azan of Hadri Bilad, representing Al Sharqiyah South, received the Top-Scorer award, while Ayman bin Darwish of Al Muladah was named Best Player. Ittihad Daghmar goalkeeper Abdullah al Ghamari won the Best Goalkeeper award after leading his team to their historic title win.
The awards ceremony followed, with Hadri Bilad players receiving bronze medals for third place, Al Muladah players receiving silver medals for second, and Daghmar players receiving gold medals and the championship trophy, celebrating their first-place triumph.
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