Sohar move up to fourth, Bahla cruise in Jindal League

Muscat: Sohar secured a 2–0 victory over Al Rustaq at Sohar Sports Complex in Round 14 of the Jindal League, continuing their climb up the standings while deepening Al Rustaq’s struggles at the bottom of the table.

The first half was moderate in tempo and ended goalless, with Sohar enjoying the better share of play. The hosts relied on high pressing and wing play, delivering balls toward Mutasim al Maqbali. The most notable chance saw Mutasim fire over the crossbar, alongside attempts from Ammar al Abdulsalam. Al Rustaq, meanwhile, created only limited threats, as goalkeeper Magdy Shaaban and Sohar’s defence remained alert.

At the start of the second half, Al Rustaq pushed forward in search of an opening goal, given their urgent need for points. However, Sohar proved more effective, as Saud al Maqbali broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a strike to the left of Al Rustaq’s goalkeeper, raising the tempo and attacking intensity of the match.

Sohar and Al Rustaq players in action during their Round 14 match of the Jindal League.

Al Rustaq attempted a quick response, but Qusai al Maamari missed a clear opportunity in the 62nd minute after shooting straight at the goalkeeper, while Omar al Salti’s effort in the 63rd minute went just wide of the post. Sohar maintained their pressure until substitute Abdullah al Mashaikhi doubled the lead in the 80th minute, after referee Yahya al Balushi consulted VAR and confirmed the goal despite the assistant’s initial flag.

Al Rustaq’s late attempts failed to reduce the deficit, and the match ended with a 2–0 victory for Sohar following a goalless first half.

With this win, Sohar moved up to 29 points in fourth place, level on points with Al Shabab, who hold third place on goal difference. Al Rustaq remain bottom of the table with just four points.

Sohar secured a 2–0 victory over Al Rustaq at Sohar Sports Complex in Round 14 of the Jindal League.

BAHLA HIT FOUR

In the other match of the same round, Bahla delivered a commanding 4–1 victory over Saham at Nizwa Sports Complex, showcasing clear dominance and strong technical performance.

Majid al Shukaili gave Bahla an early lead in the seventh minute before Mohammed Jaber Said equalised for Saham in the 18th minute. However, Abdulsalam bin Muslim al Shukaili restored Bahla’s advantage in the 41st minute to end the first half 2–1.

In the second half, Loki Fiki Ndafon added the third goal in the 50th minute, and Ammar bin Saif al Shiyadi sealed the win with a fourth goal in the 71st minute.

Bahla’s victory lifted them to 25 points in fifth place, while Saham remain eighth with 16 points, as the league continues to witness tight competition and closely matched performances among teams.