By Jaber Al Ajmi — MUSCAT: May 16 - Dhofar extended their lead at the top of Omantel Professional League (OPL) over Al Shabab to three points with a convincing 3-1 victory over Suhar, as Al Shabab drew with Al Suwaiq 1-1 in the penultimate round of the campaign. While Al Oruba came out of the title race as they missed two points after drawing 2-2 with Saham. What an end to OPL this season as both Dhofar and Al Shabab will face off in the last round for the title in which Dhofar will play for two chances (win or draw), while Al Shabab will have to win to secure the title.
At Suhar Stadium, the promising striker Khalil al Darmaki bagged a brace to help Dhofar making their 15th victory this season, leading the table with 50 points. Dhofar started the game eyeing three points and they converted that in the 29 minute as Khalil’s header gave them the lead after a brilliant long cross from Ali al Busaidi.
Action from the OPL match between Dhofar and Suhar at the Suhar Stadium. — Pictures by Ahmed al Buriki[/caption]
Suhar, who played the game without any ambitions made some good attacks especially from the playmaker Hatem al Roshdi who equalised from a free kick in the 38th minute. But Dhofar came back again in the second half to score twice within 7 minutes by Khalil (52’) and Admir (59’).
“It’s an important victory and those three points are a great motivation for us to give all what we have and win the title in the last week against Al Shabab,’’ Molay Al Hasan Murad, Dhofar manager, said.
Dhofar will have a chance of win or draw against Al Shabab to secure the title but Molay insisted they will focus on winning only. “We will play only for winning in order to confirm our eligibility to take the title,’’ Molay added.
At Seeb Stadium, Al Shabab kept alive their hopes to grab the title despite the 1-1 draw with Al Suwaiq. Al Shabab now have 47 points and the title is still in their hands if they pass Dhofar in the last week tie.
Al Shabab have gone three games without a win, losing twice and drew ones. “We are not the team who started the season, however, nothing has changed, same players and spirit,’’ Salim Sultan, Al Shabab manager, said.
“We played very good in last three games and we could have reached the opponent goal zone couple of times but we were not lucky to score and win,’’ Salim added.
On the opposite side of the table all teams remained their position as all fixtures ended in a draw. Oman Club drew 1-1 with Muscat, while Al Khabourah and Jaalan ended a disappointing goalless draw.
The last week of the campaign will determine the play-off relegated team between Al Khabourah (27 points), Oman Club (28 points) and Muscat (30 points).
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