MUSCAT, NOV 5
Ahli Sidab booked their place in the semifinals of the 55th edition of His Majesty's Hockey Cup 2025, after claiming a convincing win on matchday two of Group Five, while Salalah kept their qualification hopes alive with a commanding victory over Masirah. The matches were held at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat.
Ahli Sidab approached the match with balance and caution, enjoying a slight advantage in possession and on the wings. However, Dhofar’s well-organised defence, led by goalkeeper Idris Issa al Balushi, kept the net intact, ending the first quarter goalless.
The second quarter saw a noticeable increase in tempo, with Ahli Sidab applying high pressure that earned them multiple penalty corners, yet they failed to convert any. Dhofar relied on counterattacks through Sardar and Basim Khaddar Rajab, but goalkeeper Ibrahim bin Nasser al Farsi was alert, keeping the first half level at 0–0.
Ahli Sidab entered the third quarter with a different mindset and made perfect use of penalty corners. Mohammed Zamir opened the scoring in the 35th minute (PC), before doubling the lead in the 39th minute with another well-executed penalty corner, giving his side control and confidence.
The dominance continued into the final quarter, with Zamir completing a historic hat-trick in the 47th minute from a penalty corner.
Maitham bin Saif al Wahaibi added the fourth goal in the 54th minute from a well-constructed field goal. Dhofar’s Sardar scored a consolation goal in the 60th minute (FG) as Ahli Sidab sealed a 4–1 victory to confirm their semifinal qualification.
SALALAH KEEP HOPES ALIVE
In the second match, Salalah delivered a dominant performance against Masirah, cruising to an emphatic 8–2 win to postpone the battle for the second semifinal ticket to the final round.
Salalah started strongly with high offensive pressure, resulting in an opening goal in the 8th minute through Redha Ali Nasser from a field goal, giving the team momentum to end the first quarter 1–0 ahead.
The second quarter belonged entirely to Salalah, particularly in set-pieces, as Amjad Ali Hannan scored twice from penalty corners in the 23rd and 31st minutes. Captain Adnan bin Khalil al Hasani added the fourth goal from a field goal in the 33rd minute, giving Salalah a comfortable 4–0 lead at half-time.
Masirah entered the third quarter seeking a comeback. Jumah bin Abdullah bin Jumah al Noufli pulled one back in the 38th minute from a penalty corner, before Aditya Singh added a second from a field goal in the 45th minute, reducing the deficit to 4–2 at the end of the quarter.
However, Salalah responded fiercely in the fourth quarter. Al Hasani struck again to make it 5–2, followed by Saleh Bait Faraj scoring the sixth in the 51st minute. The in-form Amjad al Hanan netted the seventh, before Al Hasani completed the rout with the eighth, sealing a comprehensive 8–2 victory.
The final group round takes place on Thursday, with Dhofar facing Masirah, while Salalah meet Ahli Sidab in a decisive clash.
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