MUSCAT, OCT 31
Al Musannah, Al Mudhaibi and Majees booked their places in the round of 16 of the 2026-27 His Majesty’s Cup football championship with victories over Al Oruba, Al Taleaa and Al Wahda respectively.
Fanja and Samayil also progressed, bringing the number of qualifiers from the preliminary round to five.
Al Musannah produced the most convincing victory of the three matches, defeating Al Oruba 3-1 at Al Rustaq Sports Complex.
Following a cautious opening, Christopher broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. Darwish al Saadi doubled the advantage in the 36th minute, advancing down the right before finishing to give Al Musannah a commanding half-time lead.
Al Oruba pushed for a response after the interval, but Hazza al Mushaifri extended Al Musannah’s advantage with a firm effort from inside the area in the 69th minute.
Faisal al Maawali pulled a goal back five minutes later, although Al Musannah remained organised defensively to see out the victory.
AL GHANNAMI HITS WINNER
At Sur Sports Complex, Majid al Ghannami’s 31st-minute penalty earned Al Mudhaibi a 1-0 win over Al Taleaa and a last-16 meeting with Sohar.
The decisive spot kick followed a foul on striker Omar Nadong. Al Mudhaibi goalkeeper Alaa al Shiyadi also played an important role, denying Abdullah al Mukhaini and Mohammed al Salti before his side took the lead.
Al Taleaa increased the pressure in the second half, but Al Mudhaibi defended resolutely and remained dangerous on the counterattack. Nadong almost added a second in the 50th minute when his effort struck the crossbar after he spotted goalkeeper Salem al Dawoodi off his line.
Majees also advanced with a narrow victory at Sur Sports Complex, overcoming Al Wahda 1-0 to set up a meeting with Bahla.
Ahmed al Maqbali scored the winner in the 34th minute, converting a cross from Qusai al Maamari. Al Wahda had earlier wasted a clear opportunity when Waseem al Ghailani broke through the defence but lifted his effort over the bar.
Despite enjoying more attacking possession after the break, Al Wahda struggled to turn their pressure into clear chances, allowing Majees to protect their lead.
FANJA SETS UP DHOFAR CLASH
Elsewhere, Fanja defeated Nizwa 3-0, with Mohsin Jawhar scoring twice and Khalid al Sulaimi adding the other goal, to secure a last-16 clash with Dhofar.
Samayil edged Bidiyah 5-4 on penalties after the teams finished level at 1-1 following extra time. Dawood al Jabri scored for Samayil, while Ammar al Shuhi was on target for Bidiyah.
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