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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Dhofar bag First Division League championship


Dhofar completed a strong tournament to emerge champions. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani
Dhofar completed a strong tournament to emerge champions. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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Muscat: Dhofar Club were crowned champions of the 2025 First Division Hockey League after a deserved 3–0 victory over Sohar Club in the final match held at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Chairman of the Oman Basketball Association (OBA).


In the third-place playoff, Masirah Club clinched the bronze medal with a 2–1 win over Nizwa Club, confirming their strong presence in this season’s competition.


The individual awards added further excitement to the conclusion of the 2025 First Division Hockey League. Sohar’s Omar al Maamari emerged as the league’s top scorer after netting seven goals. Dhofar’s goalkeeper Idris al Balushi was honoured with the best goalkeeper award. The best rising player award went to Masirah’s Al Abbas al Noufali. Meanwhile, Dhofar’s Bassem Rajab was deservedly named best player of the league.


DHOFAR DOMINATE


The match began cautiously, with both teams focusing on probing each other’s play and closing down spaces. Despite a few attempts, the first quarter ended goalless.


After half an hour, Akram Ashoor broke the deadlock with a well-executed penalty corner in the 30th minute. The goal boosted Dhofar’s morale, increasing their attacking pressure. Sohar, led by Said al Noufali, tried counterattacks, but goalkeeper Ahmed Thabit made decisive saves to keep his team ahead, ending the first half 1–0.


In the third quarter, Dhofar maintained their organisation and dominance, with Omar al Adham adding a second goal in the 44th minute after a well-coordinated move. Sohar attempted to fight back, but poor finishing hindered their efforts.


As the pressure mounted, Anas al Wahaibi sealed Dhofar’s triumph with a third goal from another penalty corner in the 54th minute, crushing Sohar’s hopes of a comeback. Despite late attempts, Dhofar’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm until the final whistle, confirming their title.


MASIRAH TAKE THIRD PLACE


In an exciting battle for third place, Masirah struck in the sixth minute through Nasser al Nofali from a penalty corner but Majid al Saraidi equalised for Nizwa in the 18th minute. Quickly regaining the lead, Juma al Nofali scored in the 25th minute, ending the first half 2–1 for Masirah.


Despite continuous attempts from Nizwa in the later quarters, Masirah’s defence and goalkeeper Murtadha al Nofali held strong to secure third place.


Following the final, chief guest Eng Khalfan al Naabi congratulated Dhofar on their well-deserved triumph, praising their performance against Sohar in the final, which reflected a competitive spirit and closely matched levels. He stressed that the success of the league’s organisation reflects the Oman Hockey Association’s commitment, under the leadership of Dr Marwan al Juma, to developing the sport through diverse competitions targeting all age categories.


He said the final showcased high technical standards, proving that clear plans and effective strategies are in place to elevate Oman hockey at both club and national team levels.


For his part, Dhofar player Akram Ashoor expressed his delight with the title, describing it as the fruit of collective effort and proper planning since the start of preparations. He noted that the final against Sohar was tough and exciting, but the team’s discipline and the coach’s guidance enabled them to impose their style and secure a 3–0 win while keeping a clean sheet. He added that the championship serves as strong motivation to continue intense training and deliver better performances in upcoming competitions.


Ahmed Al Kaabi


Muscat, Sept 17


Dhofar Club were crowned champions of the 2025 First Division Hockey League after a deserved 3–0 victory over Sohar Club in the final match held at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Chairman of the Oman Basketball Association (OBA).


In the third-place playoff, Masirah Club clinched the bronze medal with a 2–1 win over Nizwa Club, confirming their strong presence in this season’s competition.


The individual awards added further excitement to the conclusion of the 2025 First Division Hockey League. Sohar’s Omar al Maamari emerged as the league’s top scorer after netting seven goals. Dhofar’s goalkeeper Idris al Balushi was honoured with the best goalkeeper award. The best rising player award went to Masirah’s Al Abbas al Noufali. Meanwhile, Dhofar’s Bassem Rajab was deservedly named best player of the league.


DHOFAR DOMINATE


The match began cautiously, with both teams focusing on probing each other’s play and closing down spaces. Despite a few attempts, the first quarter ended goalless.


After half an hour, Akram Ashoor broke the deadlock with a well-executed penalty corner in the 30th minute. The goal boosted Dhofar’s morale, increasing their attacking pressure. Sohar, led by Said al Noufali, tried counterattacks, but goalkeeper Ahmed Thabit made decisive saves to keep his team ahead, ending the first half 1–0.


In the third quarter, Dhofar maintained their organisation and dominance, with Omar al Adham adding a second goal in the 44th minute after a well-coordinated move. Sohar attempted to fight back, but poor finishing hindered their efforts.


As the pressure mounted, Anas al Wahaibi sealed Dhofar’s triumph with a third goal from another penalty corner in the 54th minute, crushing Sohar’s hopes of a comeback. Despite late attempts, Dhofar’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm until the final whistle, confirming their title.


MASIRAH TAKE THIRD PLACE


In an exciting battle for third place, Masirah struck in the sixth minute through Nasser al Nofali from a penalty corner but Majid al Saraidi equalised for Nizwa in the 18th minute. Quickly regaining the lead, Juma al Nofali scored in the 25th minute, ending the first half 2–1 for Masirah.


Despite continuous attempts from Nizwa in the later quarters, Masirah’s defence and goalkeeper Murtadha al Nofali held strong to secure third place.


Following the final, chief guest Eng Khalfan al Naabi congratulated Dhofar on their well-deserved triumph, praising their performance against Sohar in the final, which reflected a competitive spirit and closely matched levels. He stressed that the success of the league’s organisation reflects the Oman Hockey Association’s commitment, under the leadership of Dr Marwan al Juma, to developing the sport through diverse competitions targeting all age categories.


He said the final showcased high technical standards, proving that clear plans and effective strategies are in place to elevate Oman hockey at both club and national team levels.


For his part, Dhofar player Akram Ashoor expressed his delight with the title, describing it as the fruit of collective effort and proper planning since the start of preparations. He noted that the final against Sohar was tough and exciting, but the team’s discipline and the coach’s guidance enabled them to impose their style and secure a 3–0 win while keeping a clean sheet. He added that the championship serves as strong motivation to continue intense training and deliver better performances in upcoming competitions.


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