Muscat: Ahli Sidab claimed the 2025 Youth Hockey League title after delivering a powerful performance, sealing a commanding 7-2 victory over Salalah in the final held at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat on Monday night. With this triumph, Ahli Sidab reaffirmed their dominance, leaving Salalah in second place and Masirah in third.
On the individual level, Salalah’s Hazaa al Balushi earned the league’s top-scorer award, while Ahli Sidab’s goalkeeper Qais al Wahaibi was named the best goalkeeper. The best player award went to Ahli Sidab’s Mohammed al Alawi. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Mohammed al Musharafi, Chairman of Qurayat Club, and attended by Dr Marwan al Juma, Chairman of the Oman Hockey Association.
The clash began cautiously, with Ahli Sidab focusing on possession and structured attacks, while Salalah relied on long balls and counter-attacks through the duo Hazaa al Balushi and Rashid Mohammed. Despite both sides creating chances, alert goalkeeping kept the first quarter goalless.
AHLI SIDAB TAKE CONTROL
Ahli Sidab quickly took control in the second quarter. Saad al Fazari broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute from a penalty corner, while Salalah wasted a golden chance to equalise a minute later. With sustained pressure, Anas al Siyabi netted twice in quick succession (26’ and 29’), sending his side into half-time with a 3-0 lead.
Momentum carried into the third quarter as Rashid al Alawi added the fourth in the 31st minute, followed by Said al Fazari’s strike at 35’. Salalah, despite three consecutive penalty corners, failed to convert, leaving the score 5-0 for Ahli Sidab.
In the final quarter, Laith al Wahaibi made it six at the 48th minute. Rashid Mohammed pulled one back for Salalah in the 54th, but Anas al Siyabi completed his hat-trick two minutes later to restore the margin. Salalah managed a second goal in the 58th, but the final whistle confirmed Ahli Sidab’s emphatic 7-2 triumph and championship glory.
Ayman Al Kathiri, Ahli Sidab’s coach, praised his team. "We congratulate our players, fans, and staff on this achievement, adding to the club’s legacy. We were last year’s champions, and retaining the title shows our consistency. However, I am not satisfied with the league system. We played only four matches before reaching the final, which is far too few to truly develop players. Young athletes need more competitive matches to sharpen their skills, yet some groups had just two teams, which undermines the league’s purpose."
From the other side, Wael Mahmoud Yehia, Salalah’s coach, admitted the defeat was tough. “We weren’t as prepared as Ahli Sidab, who entered the tournament already sharp from their youth league. Our preparation was disrupted, as the league coincided with the Khareef season in Dhofar, and many players were busy with work. We even hoped for a postponement. Still, reaching the final was an achievement. Ahli Sidab deserved their victory by capitalising on chances and maintaining composure, especially in the first quarter. Unfortunately, our players let nerves and disputes with referees affect their focus.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of expanding local competitions: “Three matches are not enough to build strong players. A league that spans several months would provide better preparation and positively impact the national team.”
Photos by: Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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