MUSCAT: The First Division Handball League for the 2025/2026 season continued to deliver strong competitive momentum, with Friday’s matches revealing significant shifts in form and confidence levels across several teams, the round highlighted key trends Oman Club’s growing stability in its title defence campaign, Al Shabab return to winning form, Nizwa strong attacking efficiency and Salalah ongoing struggle to regain balance.
On Friday evening at Al Seeb Sports Hall, Al Shabab secured an important victory over Salalah, winning 32–21 in a match that showcased the team’s tactical discipline and improved defensive structure, Al Shabab entered the encounter determined to correct their opening round setback and they succeeded by imposing their rhythm early.
Their fast transitions and compact defence allowed them to close the first half ahead 17–10, before extending the gap further in a dominant second half, the result marks a significant recovery for Al Shabab and signals their renewed ability to compete at the top end of the table.
Meanwhile, Oman Club demonstrated once again why they remain the strongest candidate to retain the league title, Playing at the Nizwa Sports Complex, the defending champions cruised past Nizwa 32–19 with a performance defined by efficiency, composure and depth.
Oman Club controlled the match from the opening whistle, leading 16–6 at halftime thanks to their organised defensive blocks and the sharp performance of their wings and goalkeepers, Although Nizwa attempted to reduce the deficit after the break, Oman’s experience and superior match management sealed a convincing win, this victory not only strengthens Oman’s early season campaign, but also reflects one of the round’s main features, their growing tactical consistency and readiness to stay at the top.
Elsewhere in Friday’s fixtures, Nizwa delivered one of their strongest attacking displays this season, defeating Salalah 38–21 at Al Seeb Hall, while Muscat registered the largest margin of the round, overpowering Saham 61–10 at the Sohar Sports Complex, Al Seeb also maintained their positive momentum with a 32–24 win over Majees, highlighting the team’s steady rise in form.
In this context of shifting performances and emerging trends, attention now turns to today’s anticipated clash, as Oman Club hosts Salalah in Muscat, Oman enters the match seeking their second consecutive win and aiming to capitalise on home court advantage to reinforce their position early in the standings, with the team displaying a high level of stability on both ends of the court, today's fixture represents another opportunity to extend their momentum.
On the other hand, Salalah arrives in a difficult situation, sitting at the bottom of the standings after three consecutive defeats, despite the tough challenge of facing the defending champions, Salalah hopes to rebuild confidence, reduce errors and halt their early season slide, the match presents a crucial test for the team’s resilience as they attempt to reorganise and chase their first points of the season.
With rising form from Oman Club, improved rhythm from Al Shabab and notable offensive surges from Nizwa, the round has reshaped the competitive landscape and set the stage for an increasingly intense battle in the weeks ahead.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
