MUSCAT: Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as Al Nahda and Oman Club will put the final touches on their preparations ahead of the highly anticipated His Majesty the Sultan’s Football Cup final which is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The showpiece event of the top domestic football event will be held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, at the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The final will bring together two clubs with contrasting ambitions but equal determination. Oman Club will be chasing a historic third HM Cup title, having previously lifted the coveted trophy in 1979 and 1994 while Al Nahda will be eyeing their second crown and hoping to relive the success of their memorable triumph in 2023 against Seeb at the same venue.
Both clubs have gone beyond technical readiness in the build-up to the final, launching fan engagement initiatives to ensure a packed stadium and vibrant atmosphere. These efforts include distributing team jerseys and arranging dedicated buses to transport supporters to the venue, underlining the importance of fan backing in such a decisive encounter.
Al Nahda will enter the final under the guidance of newly appointed Portuguese head coach André Jasmins, who has taken charge at a crucial stage of the season.
The Buraimi-based side are currently placed fifth in the Jindal League and remain active on the continental stage, as they will prepare to face Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab in the 2025–2026 AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League on Tuesday with a semifinal berth at stake. Their route to the HM Cup final was marked by resilience, overturning a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Seeb with a commanding 2-0 victory in the second leg at Al Buraimi Sports Complex.
Oman Club, led by experienced Moroccan coach Driss El Mrabet, secured their place in the final with a composed semifinal performance against Al Nasr. A 2-0 victory in the first leg at Seeb Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw in the return leg at Al Sadaa Stadium in Salalah, sealed their passage and highlighted their tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
Speaking to Oman Observer, Oman Club team manager Adil al Shibli expressed confidence in his side’s readiness. “ The team reached an advanced level of technical and physical preparation and will be supported through a closed training camp three days ahead of the final. Squad selection will be based on current form and tactical suitability, adding that there are no major injury concerns, with minor issues being closely monitored by the medical staff. I revealed that some players were rested in recent league fixtures to ensure peak condition for the final,” he said.
“These matches are always decided by fine margins,” al Shibli added. “Cup finals have their own calculations and one goal can change everything. Despite our league position, we are optimistic and fully focused on winning this title.”
MOTIVATION
On the Al Nahda side, team manager Issa al Nuaimi confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly. “ The coaching staff used recent matches to assess player readiness and that all players are fit and motivated. The significance of the occasion is considered through stressing that cup finals are unique regardless of form or standings, and expressed hope that Al Nahda can add a second HM Cup title to their honours list,” he added.
Al Nahda team players arrived in Muscat recently to gear up for their match against Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab club on Tuesday. Then , the team will be in a closed camp until the final HM Cup match.
SPECTACULAR FINAL
Away from the pitch, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), in coordination with the Muscat Governorate and the Oman Football Association (OFA), is finalising comprehensive organisational and logistical arrangements. Fans can expect a visually spectacular final, featuring laser displays, fireworks and a drone show, adding a celebratory dimension to one of Oman’s most cherished sporting events. The HM Cup tour began on Saturday in Muttrah city and it will be in Bausher on Sunday while it will move to Muscat on Monday. Seeb will receive the coveted cup on Tuesday and in the following day, it will be Al Amerat while the concluding destination is in Qurayat on Thursday. The tour will cover all the six wilayats of Muscat Governorate.
Historically, Dhofar remained the most successful club in the competition with 11 titles, followed by Fanja with nine. Al Nasr and Ahli Sidab have each lifted the trophy five times, while Sur, Al Oruba, and Seeb have claimed four titles apiece. Al Suwaiq has won the cup three times, with Oman Club and Saham sharing two titles each. Muscat, Al Tali’ah, Al Nahda and Al Shabab have each won the coveted trophy once.
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