MUSCAT: Bahla became the first team to qualify for the Sohar International Cup semifinals after defeating Samayil 2-1, while Sur and Oman Club kept their qualification hopes alive with important victories in the sixth round of Group One.
The three matches were closely contested, with Sur snatching a 2-1 stoppage-time victory over Dhofar and Oman Club edging Al Nasr 1-0.
Bahla’s win over Samayil lifted them to 13 points and secured one of the group’s two semifinal places. Oman Club and Sur moved onto 10 points each, leaving the battle for the second qualification spot to be decided in the final round.
At Sur Sports Complex, Hamad al Maskari struck in the third minute of added time to give Sur a dramatic victory over Dhofar.
Dhofar enjoyed more possession and created several opportunities, but Sur remained organised defensively and relied on quick counterattacks.
Abdulaziz al Ghailani put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute, heading home from a corner shortly before half-time. Dhofar responded immediately after the restart, with Marwan Talal scoring from outside the penalty area in the 47th minute.
The visitors continued to press for a winner, while Sur also threatened on the break. With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, Al Maskari fired a powerful long-range effort into the net in the 90+3 minute to secure all three points for the hosts.
HARITH NETS OMAN CLUB WINNER
At Seeb Stadium, Harith al Mukhaini scored the only goal as Oman Club overcame Al Nasr and strengthened their challenge for a semifinal place.
Oman Club made the brighter start, with Amir Alaa and Abdullah al Balushi both threatening the Al Nasr goal. The Salalah side gradually settled into the match and created chances through Ovono Asogo and Mohammed al Habsi, but neither team found the breakthrough before half-time.
The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute when Oman Club built an attack down the right and delivered the ball into the penalty area. Al Mukhaini collected the pass and finished between the legs of goalkeeper Rashad Abdulhamid.
Al Nasr pushed forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Oman Club remained organised and protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The defeat left Al Nasr on two points after six matches, while Oman Club joined Sur on 10 points behind leaders Bahla.
With Bahla already through, the final round will determine whether Oman Club or Sur claim the remaining semifinal ticket from Group One.
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