MUSCAT, SEPT 13
The curtain has fallen on the preliminary round of the 2025 First Division Hockey League, where the semifinal spots were decided after action-packed rounds that featured a flurry of goals and dramatic shifts in the standings.
In Group One, Dhofar established itself as a dominant contender by finishing top with 9 points, earned through three consecutive victories, underlining its readiness to continue the fight for the title. Nizwa claimed the second ticket after collecting 4 points from a win, a draw, and a loss, edging ahead of Qurayat on goal difference, as the latter settled for third despite being level on points. Ittihad exited the competition after suffering three straight defeats.
Group Two witnessed a sweeping performance from Sohar, which displayed remarkable form by securing maximum points (9) from three wins, scoring 25 goals and conceding only one, making it the most powerful attacking and defensive side in the competition so far. Masirah joined them in second place with 6 points from two wins and one loss, while Al Nahda finished third with 3 points. Saham crashed out without any points after three defeats.
With these results, the much-anticipated semifinals will see Dhofar (Group One leader) face Masirah (Group Two runner-up) today at 5:00 pm, while Sohar (Group Two leader) will take on Nizwa (Group One runner-up) at 7:00 pm, in two decisive clashes to determine the finalists competing for the league, which will held at Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat.
QURAYAT SEAL THE WIN OVER ITTIHAD WITH THREE GOALS
Qurayat closed its preliminary round campaign with a valuable 3–1 victory over Ittihad at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat.
The match began with defensive caution from both sides until Azyed bin Salim al Fazari broke the deadlock for Qurayat in the 11th minute from a penalty corner, ending the first quarter with his team ahead. Ittihad equalised in the 18th minute through captain Fouad Ali Rabie, also from a penalty corner, as the first half (first and second quarters) ended 1–1.
In the third quarter, Qurayat took advantage of its opponent’s forward push, with Mohammed bin Ahmed al Darmaki scoring in the 44th minute from a powerful shot after a well-organised move. In the 50th minute, Azyed bin Salim al Fazari struck again with a perfectly executed penalty corner to seal a 3–1 victory for Qurayat .
AL NAHDA DOWN SAHAM WITH A CLEAN 2-0 WIN
At Sohar Sports Complex, Al Nahda earned a well-deserved 2–0 victory over Saham.
The first quarter ended goalless, with Al Nahda showing solid defensive organisation while Saham’s attacks lacked real threat. In the final minute of the second quarter, Ahmed Abdullah put Al Nahda ahead from the penalty spot.
Al Nahda maintained its advantage throughout the third quarter, and as the match drew to a close, Ayham al Araimi sealed the win with a brilliant individual effort, scoring the second goal in the 56th minute. The result confirmed Al Nahda’s triumph as they exited the competition with pride.
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