MUSCAT, AUG 30
The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the 2025 U-21 Youth Hockey League, with Ahli Sidab set to meet Salalah in an exciting showdown today (Sunday), at 6:30 pm on the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat, marking the conclusion of the championship.
The final rounds featured three intense matches that showcased the high technical level of the participating clubs: Ahli Sidab, Salalah, and Masirah. A total of 19 goals were scored in this stage. In the opening game, Ahli Sidab defeated Masirah 4-1. They then continued their winning streak with a thrilling 6-4 victory over Salalah. The third and final match ended in a 2-2 draw between Salalah and Masirah.
With these results, Ahli Sidab topped the standings with a perfect 6 points from two victories, securing the first spot in the final. Salalah, on the other hand, benefited from their draw with Masirah in the last game, raising their tally to one point and clinching second place on goal difference, which granted them the second ticket to the final. Meanwhile, Masirah exited the competition after losing to Ahli Sidab and drawing with Salalah.
The final promises to be an exciting clash, pitting Ahli Sidab the most consistent team with the strongest attacking line in the final rounds, against Salalah, who showed resilience and the ability to bounce back in critical moments. Fans of Omani hockey are eagerly awaiting this decisive match, as Ahli Sidab seeks to extend their winning run and claim the title, while Salalah aims to surprise their rivals and lift the trophy.
SALALAH INTO FINAL AFTER DRAW WITH MASIRAH
Salalah clinched their place in the final of the U-21 Youth Hockey League after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Masirah in the last round of the final stage, held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Al Amerat.
The match began cautiously, with Masirah relying on possession and short passes in midfield, while Salalah opted for quick counterattacks led by Hazaa al Balushi and Abdulaziz al Rasbi. Despite a few shy attempts, most notably a long-range shot by Nasser Masoud of Masirah, both goalkeepers stood firm, ending the first quarter 0-0.
The second quarter saw a slight improvement in pace, with Masirah pressing through Mahmoud Mohammed and Al Abbas Sulaiman, while Salalah remained dangerous on the break. However, solid defending at both ends kept the scoreline unchanged at halftime.
The real drama unfolded in the third quarter.
Masirah broke the deadlock in the 37th minute through Mundhir Abdullah from a well-executed penalty corner (1-0). But just two minutes later, Salalah responded with an equaliser as Hazaa al Balushi converted a penalty corner (1-1). Masirah regained the lead in the 42nd minute when Al Abbas Sulaiman struck from another penalty corner, ending the quarter 2-1 in their favour.
In the final quarter, Salalah pressed relentlessly for an equaliser, while Masirah attempted to seal the game on the counter.
Their defence, however, eventually cracked. In the 60th minute, right before the final whistle, Hazaa al Balushi netted a dramatic equaliser after a well-organised attack, leveling the score at 2-2 and securing the precious point that guaranteed Salalah’s qualification to the final.
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