MUSCAT: Seeb continued their impressive run in the Jindal League with a 2-1 home win over Sur in round 21, while Al Khabourah and Bahla played out a goalless draw at Al Rustaq Sports Complex.
SEEB OVERCOME SUR TO STAY FIRMLY IN TOP
Seeb Stadium, leaders Seeb extended their advantage at the top to 54 points with a deserved 2-1 win over Sur, who remained on 19 points in 11th place.
The hosts controlled much of the first half and looked the more dangerous side from the outset, with Abdulmajid al Balushi going close early on before Sur goalkeeper Bilal al Balushi denied him. Sur relied mainly on counter-attacks and threatened once through Axel Ndong, but Seeb gradually tightened their grip on the contest.
The match swung further in Seeb’s favour in the 31st minute when Sur’s Mutasim al Mihijri was sent off, leaving the visitors to play with 10 men. Seeb made the numerical advantage count late in the first half, with Omar al Maliki heading home from a set-piece in the 45th minute before Nasser al Rawahi added a second in stoppage time after reacting quickly inside the area.
Seeb began the second half with the same attacking intent and nearly added a third when Nasser al Rawahi found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to send his effort wide. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sur showed improved spirit after the interval and tried to push forward through Arseni Loko, Axel Ndong and Fahd al Hajri.
Both coaches made changes as the match progressed, with Seeb introducing Fahd al Mukhaini and Mohammed al Hatmi, while Sur also reshuffled in search of a way back. The visitors were rewarded in the 88th minute when Waleed al Saadi converted from a well-delivered free-kick to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish. Four minutes of stoppage time followed, but Seeb held firm to secure another important win.
AL KHABOURAH, BAHLA GOALLESS DRAW
In the other round 21 fixture, Al Khabourah and Bahla shared the points after a quiet 0-0 draw at Rustaq Sports Complex in a match that offered little in the way of clear-cut chances.
The result moved Al Khabourah to 17 points in 12th place, while Bahla advanced to 32 points and stayed fifth in the standings.
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