MUSCAT: Seeb were crowned champions of the inaugural Jindal Youth League for Under-15 players after defeating Al Nasr 2-0 in the final at Al Seeb Sports Stadium.
First-half goals from Ahmed al Sarhi and Osama al Dhamri proved enough to seal the title for Seeb, who completed an impressive campaign by overcoming their Group One rivals in the championship decider.
Seeb started the match brightly and looked to impose themselves from the opening minutes, although Al Nasr responded with several attacking moves of their own and created opportunities to threaten the opposition goal.
Both sides showed plenty of energy during the early stages, with Al Nasr enjoying some promising spells before Seeb gradually gained greater control of proceedings.
The breakthrough came following a set-piece situation when Ahmed al Sarhi rose to meet a high ball and directed a header into the net to give Seeb the lead.
The goal boosted Seeb’s confidence as they began to dictate the tempo and create further opportunities in the attacking third.
Their advantage was doubled in the 25th minute through Osama al Dhamri, who converted a direct free-kick from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0.
Al Nasr attempted to respond before the interval, but Seeb’s defensive organisation ensured they went into the break with their two-goal advantage intact.
Al Nasr returned for the second half with greater urgency and enjoyed more possession as they searched for a route back into the contest. They pushed players forward and applied pressure around the Seeb penalty area, but the eventual champions remained composed at the back.
Seeb also continued to pose a threat on the counterattack and came close to extending their lead on several occasions. A set-piece effort cleared the goalkeeper but went over the crossbar, while another promising attacking move ended without a finish.
Al Nasr pressed forward in the closing stages in search of a goal, but Seeb’s defence held firm. At the other end, the champions created further openings but were unable to add to their first-half tally.
After four minutes of added time, the referee brought the contest to an end, confirming Seeb as the first champions of the Jindal Youth League.
The closing ceremony was attended by Dr Faisal bin Abdullah al Farsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Protection Fund, and Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Yahmadi, Secretary-General of the Oman Football Association.
The ceremony began with the Oman Football Association presenting a commemorative gift to Dr Faisal al Farsi, who then honoured the match officials.
Al Nasr players were presented with the runners-up medals before Seeb received their championship medals.
The celebrations concluded with Seeb captain Muadh al Mahrami lifting the Jindal Youth League shield, bringing the inaugural edition of the competition to a close.
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