MUSCAT: Dhofar and Samayil shared 10 goals, while Seeb, Sur and Fanja claimed victories as the fourth round of the Sohar International Cup produced 23 goals across six matches.
The round concluded on Friday with Dhofar and Samayil drawing 5-5 at Nizwa Sports Complex, Fanja defeating Al Nasr 3-1, and both Group Two encounters ending level.
At Sohar Sports Complex, Al Musannah recovered from a goal down to hold Saham 1-1, with Hazza Zayed cancelling out Said Obaid’s first-half opener.
Saham made the stronger start, pressing forward and using quick transitions to trouble Al Musannah’s defence. Obaid rewarded their early pressure in the 19th minute, beating goalkeeper Al Mutasim al Balushi.
Two further opportunities went begging as Saham sought to extend their advantage, leaving Al Musannah within reach at the interval.
The balance shifted after the restart. Al Musannah moved the ball more quickly through midfield and attacked effectively down the flanks, particularly on the right, forcing Saham onto the defensive.
Zayed brought them level in the 67th minute with a shot past goalkeeper Muhannad al Maamari. He then had a chance to secure victory in the 89th minute but fired wide of the right post with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Elsewhere in Group Two, Ibri earned their first point of the campaign by holding Al Nahda to a goalless draw at Ibri Sports Complex.
DHOFAR, SAMAYIL IN 5-ALL THRILLER
In Group One, Dhofar and Samayil produced the standout scoreline of the round at Nizwa Sports Complex. Their 5-5 draw accounted for almost half the goals scored across the six fixtures.
Fanja secured their first victory of the competition with a 3-1 win over Al Nasr at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, bouncing back from their defeat by Dhofar in the previous round.
Thursday’s fixtures had brought victories for Sur and Seeb. Sur edged Oman Club 2-1 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex to register a second successive win following their comeback against Samayil.
At Sohar Sports Complex, Axel Meye scored all three goals as Seeb defeated Sohar 3-1. The striker opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Ibrahim al Ruqadi equalised in the 28th.
Meye struck again in the 70th and 87th minutes to complete his hat-trick and secure Seeb’s third consecutive victory, taking their tally to 10 points from four matches.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
