MUSCAT: Al Musannah and Fanja returned to the Jindal League through the gates of determination and persistence, securing the two promotion spots before the curtain fell on the season, while fine margins and misfortune denied Al Wahda, Muscat, Nizwa and Jaalan in the closing stages.
Al Musannah was not satisfied with promotion alone, but crowned themselves champions with two rounds to spare after raising their tally to 32 points, thanks to a decisive 1–0 victory over Nizwa in the title-deciding match. Fanja, meanwhile, claimed the second ticket with 25 points after a valuable goalless draw against Al Wahda in the final round, a result that proved enough to seal their return to the top flight.
The league witnessed fierce competition from the outset, with positions changing hands several times. However, as the finish line approached, Al Musannah and Fanja gradually pulled away at the top to confirm their merit and rightful promotion.
Al Musannah entered the season with a clear vision, relying on a national technical staff led by coach Hussein Al Saadi, who was granted full confidence to build a team for the future through a blend of youthful talent and experienced players.
The team delivered a balanced campaign marked by away victories, defensive solidity and strong tactical cohesion. As the decisive rounds approached, Al Musannah handled the pressure with composure, putting together a series of positive results that gave them an early advantage before officially confirming the title with another win over Nizwa on the closing night. They ended the season with impressive numbers: 10 wins in 14 matches, the strongest defence in the competition, and an efficient attack led by several standout performers, collecting 32 points and returning to the top tier as deserved champions after proving themselves the most consistent and well-prepared side.
Fanja... a return built on intelligence and patience
Fanja’s season, in contrast, was full of ups and downs. A shaky start was followed by a change in the technical staff, with Ibrahim Al Anbouri taking charge, marking the beginning of their true resurgence.
The team relied more on fighting spirit than star names and managed to secure crucial points away from home. Heading into the final rounds, Fanja knew that any slip could cost them their dream, so they approached each match with careful calculations. Their last encounter against Al Wahda was a real test of nerves. Needing only a draw, they adopted a pragmatic tactical approach, closed spaces effectively, and earned a valuable point that guaranteed the second promotion spot.
They finished the season with 25 points, and their steady upward trajectory proved that their return was no coincidence, but rather the result of coordinated administrative and technical work that restored Fanja to their natural place among the elite.
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