Ahmed al Kaabi
Muscat, Nov 7
The clubs Al Amerat, Ahli Sidab, Salalah and Sohar have advanced to the semifinals of the 55th edition of His Majesty's Hockey Cup 2025, held at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat. The third and final round of the final stage witnessed great excitement and fierce competition until the very last moments.
Ahli Sidab secured the top spot in Group 5 after drawing 2–2 with Salalah, collecting 7 points to advance alongside Salalah, who finished second with 5 points.
The match started evenly, with both teams adopting a cautious defensive approach in the first quarter, as limited attempts came from Amjad Ali Hanan for Salalah and Mohammed Zameer for Ahli Sidab, leaving the match goalless.
In the second quarter, Mohammed Zamir opened the scoring for Ahli Sidab in the 16th minute from a penalty corner (PC), before Adnan al Hasni equalised for Salalah in the 27th minute with a field goal, ending the first half 1–1.
Early in the third quarter, Mahanna al Hasni restored the lead for Ahli Sidab in the 48th minute after a successful follow-up. Still, Salalah kept pressing and found the equaliser through Hussain Hatim Faraj, who scored a fine field goal in the 53rd minute to seal a 2–2 draw.
In the other Group 5 fixture, Dhofar crushed Masirah 8–2, though the result wasn’t enough for qualification as Dhofar ended with 4 points.
Team captain Boby Sing Dahami was the star of the game, netting five goals, including a first-quarter hat-trick (minutes 8, 11, 12), followed by strikes in the 22nd and 57th minutes. Basim Rajab added one in the 28th minute, while Ahmed al Farsi scored twice in the 55th and 60th minutes.
Masirah’s goals came from Al Baraa al Nofali (48’) and Iktidar Ishrat (57’), as the team exited the competition without points.
AL AMERAT EDGE SEEB
Al Amerat continued their impressive run with a thrilling 4–3 victory over Seeb, completing the group stage with a perfect 9 points to finish top.
Seeb struck first in the 7th minute through Abharan, but Jonghyun Jang levelled for Al Amerat in the 27th minute from a penalty corner.
The teams traded goals again in the 33rd minute. Mandeep restored Seeb’s lead from a penalty corner, but Jang responded instantly with a field goal, ending the first half tied 2–2.
In the third quarter, Deepak converted a penalty stroke in the 50th minute to put Seeb ahead again, yet Al Amerat mounted a late comeback in the final quarter.
Jang stole the show, completing his hat-trick with goals in the 57th and 59th minutes (one from a penalty corner and another from a penalty stroke), sealing a dramatic 4–3 win for Al Amerat.
Meanwhile, Sohar claimed second place in the group with 6 points after a convincing 4–2 victory over Qurayat.
Mohammed al Balushi put Qurayat ahead in the second minute from a penalty corner, but Sohar quickly responded with two goals by Darshan Vibhav Gawkar (3’) and Saeed al Noufali (9’).
Pratap Lakra extended the lead in the 20th minute with a penalty stroke and Ahmed al Ameri made it 4–1 in the 35th minute before Laith al Wahibi reduced the deficit in the 39th minute. Sohar maintained control to secure the 4–2 win.
SEMIFINALS AND FINAL
The semifinal line-up is now complete: Al Amerat (first in Group 6) will face Salalah (second in Group 5). Ahli Sidab (first in Group 5) will meet Sohar (second in Group 6).
The winners will advance to the final match on Monday, while the losing teams will compete for third place on Sunday.
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