MUSCAT, OCT 25
Oman’s Al Shabab Club began their continental journey in style as they claimed a historic 1-0 victory over hosts Paro FC of Bhutan in their debut appearance at the 2025/2026 AFC Challenge League (ACGL) Group A opener on Saturday.
At the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu city in Bhutan, Al Shabab player Kenean Maleko managed to find the net of the opponent through a penalty shoutout in the 26th minute of the first half. The victory marked a memorable start for the Sultanate of Oman’s representatives as they secured three crucial points to strengthen their chances of advancing to the next stage of the Asian competition. The next match of Al Shabab will be against Abdysh-Ata from Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday and they will conclude group matches on Friday as they will meet Altyn Asyr from Turkmenistan.
Al Shabab’s striker Kenean Maleko netted the only goal of the encounter in the 26th minute from the penalty spot after Yousuf al Malki was fouled inside the area by Tshelthrim Namgyel. Maleko confidently sent the ball beyond the reach of Paro’s goalkeeper Jeffrey Baltus to put the visitors ahead. The early stages saw Al Shabab pushing for an opener as Opa Nguette going close when his header was denied by Baltus following a fine setup by Hatim al Roshdi.
After taking the lead, Al Shabab displayed defensive composure to absorb Paro’s attempts for an equalizer. The hosts thought they had drawn level in the 36th minute when Timothy Okereke found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed as Evans Asante’s pass had crossed the touchline before the cut-back.
The hosts Paro FC, five-time Bhutan Premier League champions, continued to press in the closing minutes of the first half but failed to capitalize with Kezang Dorji and Riku Ichimura both sending efforts off target.
After the restart, the hosts showed renewed energy. Substitute Richard Sagna rattled the crossbar with a thunderous 30-yard free-kick and followed shortly by Kareem Omolaja’s powerful effort that also struck the bar a double warning for the Omani side.
Al Shabab under directions of the head caoch Hassan Rustam remained organized and created further opportunities to seal the win as Ahmed al Riyami tested the keeper with a low drive in the 67th minute while Musab al Maamari’s volley forced another fine save seven minutes later. In added time, Mahmood al Khusaibi missed a golden chance to double the lead, shooting wide from close range, before Sagna fired over the bar in the dying seconds to end a thrilling contest.
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