Muscat: The quarterfinal matches of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Volleyball Shield were marked by strong competition, as Sohar secured a semifinal berth after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Dhank in a match that went to a decisive tie-break and featured clear momentum shifts throughout. In the other quarterfinal, Al Bashayer confirmed their strong presence by defeating Al Hamra in straight sets, with experience proving decisive in settling the contest.
In the Sohar-Dhank encounter, Sohar entered the match with high focus and imposed their rhythm from the opening points, benefiting from a well-organised attacking build-up and effective finishing to take the first set 25–21. The second set was more evenly contested, with both teams exchanging the lead in a back-and-forth battle, before Dhank managed to edge it 25–23 to level the match.
Sohar responded strongly in the third set, raising their performance level and asserting clearer control, capitalising on a dip in Dhank’s attacking efficiency to win the set 25–16. However, Dhank came back with determination in the fourth set, applying early pressure and building a comfortable lead before closing it out 25–20, sending the match to a deciding fifth set.
In the tie-break, Sohar showed strong character and composure at key moments, gradually extending the gap to claim the set 15–9 and seal a deserved victory in one of the tournament’s most exciting matches.
CONVINCING DISPLAY
In the second quarterfinal, Al Bashayer produced a convincing display to defeat Al Hamra 3–0 in a match with notable technical dimensions, particularly as Al Hamra were led by their new coach, Mohammed al Qamshoui, the former Al Bashayer coach. The opening set was closely fought, with Al Hamra appearing well-organised and competitive for long spells, before Al Bashayer’s experience proved decisive in the crucial points to take the set 25–23.
Al Bashayer then imposed their tempo more clearly in the second set, showing marked improvement in blocking and defensive organisation, which gradually limited Al Hamra’s attacking effectiveness, allowing them to win the set 25–16. The third set saw Al Bashayer maintain their advantage with greater confidence and technical stability, while Al Hamra showed signs of physical decline as the match progressed.
Despite renewed efforts to stay in contention, Al Bashayer’s experience and efficiency in finishing decisive attacks saw them close the set 25–22 and complete a straight-set victory.
The result reflected the difference in experience and match management, as Al Bashayer absorbed Al Hamra’s early enthusiasm before gradually asserting control and confirming their qualification. Al Hamra, meanwhile, exited with a positive competitive performance that highlighted the early impact of their new coaching direction.
Al Bashayer will face Sohar in the semifinals on Friday at the auxiliary hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher at 7 pm, preceded by the semifinal clash between Seeb and Majees at 5 pm on the same court.
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