MUSCAT: Nine-time domestic league champions Fanja Club stand on the brink for the awaited return to the Jindal League as they will prepare to face Al Wahda in the decisive final round of the First Division League on Friday at Nizwa Sports Complex. A positive result including a draw or victory will be enough to seal promotion for Fanja, marking a significant milestone in the club’s revival after few years away from top-flight football.
Fanja club board of directors had decided to suspend their football activity for the 2020-21 season due to financial constraints. The club returned to action in 2023-24 season.
Team manager Rasool Baksh al Balushi expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness ahead of the crucial encounter against Al Wahda. “We have completed all technical and tactical preparations for this crucial match. The team is in excellent condition and fully focused on achieving the objective,” Rasool Baksh told Oman Observer.
Fanja come into the fixture with strong momentum after recording a convincing 4-1 victory over Jaalan last Saturday, a result that strengthened their position going into the final round.
Although a draw would be sufficient to secure promotion, the coaching staff has made it clear that the team will play for a win. “We told the players to play for victory only. We want to finish the season strongly and confirm our return on merit,” Al Balushi added.
“There are no injuries in the squad and all the players are in best shape to register the required result in this critical match. We hope that our players convert the scoring chances into goals,” he ended.
Fanja are currently in the second place of the league standings with 24 points while Al Wahda are third with 23 points. Al Musannah have confirmed their top place and secured the title as they reached to 26 points following their victory over Al Wahda by 2-1. Al Musannah will play against Nizwa in their last league match on Saturday.
Fanja team is led by head coach Ibrahim al Anbouri, assisted by Hassan Mudhafar and Mohammed Mubarak. The players and coaching staff are eager to guide the club back to the top tier after football activities were suspended in 2020 following a decision by the club’s board during the Covid-19 outbreak.
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