MUSCAT, SEPT 4
The Jindal League returns on Saturday with the second round carrying an early test of ambition, as six clubs look to protect perfect starts and others seek a quick response after a demanding opening week.
The first round produced 15 goals from seven matches, with six victories and one draw, leaving defending champions Seeb at the top on goal difference, ahead of Al Nasr, Oman Club, Al Shabab, Al Nahda and Samayil, all on three points. Sohar and Ibri began with one point each, while Sur, Saham, Al Musannah, Bahla, Dhofar and Fanja will be searching for their first points.
Saturday’s programme opens at 5:45 pm with two matches. Saham meet Bahla at Sohar Sports Complex in a contest between two sides aiming to erase opening defeats, while Ibri host Samayil at Ibri Sports Complex, with the visitors seeking a second successive win after their 1-0 victory over Saham.
The main focus, however, will be on Seeb Stadium at 8:10 pm, where Al Shabab face Al Nahda in the round’s standout fixture. Al Shabab, runners-up last season, began with a lively 3-2 win over Sur, showing attacking sharpness but also leaving spaces that will require attention against a disciplined opponent. Al Nahda, fourth last season, opened with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over promoted Al Musannah, gaining three points and a clean sheet despite being made to wait until the closing stages.
The match may arrive early in the campaign, but it carries clear weight. Both teams are expected to compete near the top end of the table, and victory would push one of them to six points while sending a strong message to their direct rivals. The midfield battle and the first goal could prove decisive, especially in a meeting between Al Shabab’s forward movement and Al Nahda’s compact organisation. International referee Ali al Ajmi has been appointed to handle the match.
Saham’s meeting with Bahla also carries added interest after the Al Batinah side moved quickly to make changes following their opening defeat. National coach Musabbah bin Hashil al Saadi has taken charge, replacing Spaniard Luis Garcia, while the club also strengthened its attack with Nigerian forward Omowili and former Oman international striker Said bin Obaid al Abdulsalam. Bahla, beaten 3-1 by Seeb in the first round, will see the match as a chance to recover before early pressure grows.
SEEB MEET SUR
Round two continues on Sunday with four matches. Seeb host Sur at Seeb Stadium at 5:40 pm, Fanja meet Sohar at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex at 6:45 pm, Al Musannah face Oman Club at Al Rustaq Sports Complex at 6:55 pm, and Dhofar take on Al Nasr in the Dhofar derby at Al Saada Sports Complex at 8:10 pm.
Individual battles are also beginning to form, with Axel Meye of Seeb, Abdulalim of Oman Club and Abdullah al Musharrafi of Sur sharing the scorers’ lead on two goals. Abdulalim enters the round with added confidence after being named the best player of the opening week.
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