MUSCAT, SEPT 7
The opening round of the First Division Hockey League 2025 witnessed a thrilling start filled with goals, as players netted 27 goals across four matches, reflecting the competitive spirit among the participating clubs.
Sohar began their campaign with a historic 10-0 victory over Saham, while Masirah crushed Al Nahda with a heavy 12-0 scoreline. In Group 1, Qurayat and Nizwa battled to an exciting 1-1 draw that lasted until the final whistle, while Dhofar secured a valuable 2-1 win against Ittihad.
SOHAR’S TEN-GOAL TRIUMPH
Sohar claimed a dominant 10-0 win over Saham in the match played at the Sohar Sports Complex, marking the opening of Group 2 fixtures.
Ahmed bin Yousef al Amri opened the scoring in the second minute, before adding two more goals to complete his hat-trick. The remaining goals came from Omar al Maamari, Ahmed al Shibli (two goals), Sultan al Shibli, Ibrahim al Amri from a penalty stroke, and finally Yousuf al Shezawi in the last minute. Despite Saham’s attempts to respond through Majid al Maamari, Sohar’s defence and goalkeeper remained solid, ensuring a historic and deserved clean-sheet victory.
MASIRAH THRASH AL NAHDA 12-0
Also at the Sohar Sports Complex, Masirah imposed total dominance with a crushing 12-0 win over Al Nahda.
After a balanced first quarter that ended goalless, Masirah opened the floodgates in the second quarter with goals from Mansoor al Alawi, Amjad Abdulsalam from a penalty corner, and Khalid al Balushi adding the third.
In the third quarter, the team continued their assault with goals by Khalid al Balushi, Khalid al Nofli, Juma al Nofli (two goals), and Al Bara al Nofli, ending the period 8-0.
In the final quarter, Khalid al Balushi completed his hat-trick and ninth team goal, followed by Mansoor al Alawi and another strike from Al Balushi to seal the emphatic 12-0 victory.
EXCITING DRAW BETWEEN QURAYAT AND NIZWA
At the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat, Qurayat and Nizwa shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw in a tense Group 1 clash.
Nizwa struck first in the 11th minute when Issa al Shukaili fired a precise shot into the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams exchanged attacks in the second quarter, with Qurayat goalkeepers Mohammed al Darmaki and Nizwa Ibrahim al Suraidi making crucial saves, keeping Nizwa ahead until halftime.
In the third quarter, Qurayat pressed hard and levelled the score in the 30th minute through Azeed al Fazari from a penalty corner. The final quarter was full of attempts to snatch the win, with dangerous strikes from Ahmed al Wahibi Qurayat and Sami al Saqri Nizwa, but the defences and goalkeepers held firm until the end.
DHOFAR EDGE ITTIHAD FOR VALUABLE WIN
In Salalah, Dhofar began their campaign with an important 2-1 win over Ittihad in Group 1.
Dhofar took the lead in the 12th minute through Abdullah al Noubi, before doubling it in the 36th minute via Abdullah bin Naseeb Samhan. Despite Ittihad’s persistent efforts, they only managed to reduce the deficit in the 58th minute through Omar bin Imad al Qaeeti, ending the match with Dhofar securing three precious points.
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