MUSCAT: Seeb and Qurayat began their campaigns with victories as the 2026 Junior Hockey League (JHL) got under way at Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat.
Seeb defeated Al Bashayer 2-0 in the opening Group One fixture, while Qurayat overcame Al Amerat 3-1. The results earned both winners their first three points and set the early pace in the group.
The opening match between Seeb and Al Bashayer began cautiously, with both teams maintaining their defensive shape while attempting to build attacks through collective movement. Neither side was able to break the deadlock during an evenly contested first quarter.
Seeb increased their attacking pressure in the second quarter and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Mohammed Abdullah, whose field goal gave his side a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Al Bashayer pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Seeb remained organised and continued to create opportunities. Al Mutasem al Hasni doubled the lead in the 42nd minute during the third quarter, placing Seeb firmly in control.
Al Bashayer attempted to reduce the deficit in the final quarter, but Seeb’s defence dealt effectively with the pressure and protected the clean sheet until the final whistle.
QURAYAT BEAT AL AMERAT
In the second match, Qurayat secured a 3-1 victory over Al Amerat following an improved attacking performance over the final two quarters.
Both teams approached the opening quarter cautiously, with their defensive organisation preventing any early goals. The contest opened up in the second quarter as the two sides exchanged attacks and scored once each, sending them into half-time level at 1-1.
Qurayat then raised their intensity and took the lead during the third quarter after capitalising on space in Al Amerat’s defence. They maintained their attacking pressure in the fourth quarter and added a third goal to complete a convincing opening victory.
Seeb and Qurayat share the early Group 1 lead with three points each, while Al Amerat and Al Bashayer remain without a point after the opening round.
Group 1 action continues on Tuesday, when Seeb face Al Amerat at 6 pm at Hockey Oman Stadium. Qurayat will then meet Al Bashayer at the same venue at 8 pm, with the two opening-round winners looking to strengthen their positions and the other two sides seeking their first points.
Group 3 will begin on Wednesday, with Salalah taking on Al Ittihad at 5 pm on the hockey pitch at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah.
Organised by the Oman Hockey Association, the league features 10 clubs divided into three groups, with matches staged in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah. Group 2 comprises Al Nahda, Al Musannah, Masirah and Al Suwaiq.
The tournament forms part of the association’s youth competition programme, providing young players with regular competitive matches and allowing clubs to develop their technical and physical abilities.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
