Masirah girls crowned the Credit Oman Cup title

MUSCAT, NOV 2

Masirah Basketball Club (Girls) clinched the Credit Oman Cup title after defeating Salalah Club 67–51 in the final match held yesterday at the secondary hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The Masirah team will officially be crowned on Wednesday at the same venue, following the men's Credit Oman Cup final.

The match was intense and exciting, with Masirah successfully controlling the game thanks to the players’ focus and well-executed offensive and defensive strategies. Masirah maintained superior performance and scoring across the four quarters, with the second and third periods marked by close competition but with Masirah showing better scoring efficiency and capitalising on key opportunities. Standout performances from several Masirah players played a decisive role in securing the win, led by Shams al Khanji with 20 points, Sandra with 19 points, Fatma al Numani with 12 points, and Malak al Sulaimi with 5 points.

For Salalah, Ghadir al Ismaili topped the scores with 18 points, followed by Buthaina al Maamari with 9 points, and Mina with 6 points.

The match was thrilling from the start, with both sides exchanging attacks and points throughout the first quarter, which saw several equalising moments. However, Masirah managed to make better use of scoring opportunities through its players, particularly Shams al Khanji, who scored four points during that period, helping the team edge the opening quarter 10–9.

The second quarter witnessed a continued back-and-forth performance from both teams, but Masirah gradually increased the gap despite Salalah’s attempts to reduce it. Masirah scored 24 points to Salalah’s 13, ending the first half with Masirah leading 34–22.

In the third quarter, both teams pushed forward offensively , Salalah aiming to reduce the gap and Masirah seeking to extend it. Although Salalah’s defensive performance improved, Masirah added 14 points, while Salalah scored 12, ending the third quarter with Masirah leading 48–42.

The final quarter saw continued exchange of scoring chances, but Masirah again prevailed offensively, adding 19 points, while Salalah scored 17, sealing the match at 67–51 in favour of Masirah.

The game was officiated by international referee Thani al Khalasi as the first referee, Mazin al Hilali as the second, and Taha al Amri as the third.

Masirah’s head coach, Nidal stated that the team entered the final with a clear plan focused on strengthening the defence to prevent Salalah from scoring easily. She explained that defensive organisation was key and was successfully executed, while the offensive rhythm improved gradually, with scoring starting slowly in the first quarter before stabilising midway through the second. She praised her players for maintaining fighting spirit, enthusiasm, and focus until the final whistle.

Meanwhile, Hiba al Naabi, Board Member of the Oman Basketball Association and Head of the Women’s Committee, explained that the Association has an annual sponsorship agreement with Credit Oman, previously dedicated solely to the men’s competition. This year marks the fourth edition featuring the top four league teams, and a new proposal was submitted and approved to add a women’s competition to promote women’s basketball and expand its presence.

She added that yesterday’s match was dedicated exclusively to the women’s final between Salalah and Masirah, the top two finishers of the recent Ministry Championship. She highlighted that the Association aims to elevate the Ministry Championship by granting its top teams annual qualification to the Credit Oman Cup. The plan is to expand women’s participation from two teams this year to four in the next edition, paving the way for launching a full women’s league in 2026, with a strong focus on developing players and increasing participation.