Jaber al Ajmi -
MUSCAT, May 18 -
Omantel Professional League (OPL) is set to conclude on Friday as Dhofar and Al Shabab face off in a thrilling tie for winning the most important and strongest competition in Oman.
Dhofar are three points ahead of Al Shabab, and they need a draw or win to claim the title while Al Shabab have to win the tie in order to clinch the OPL, due to their superior head-to-head record.
According to the terms and conditions of Omantel Professional League, the teams are separated atop the standing by the head-to-head record, and for that, any win for Al Shabab will give them the title.
Interestingly, the OPL race continues to the last week, but what a spectacular end to the campaign as the title contenders meet each other in the last week.
The Salalah giants look highly recommended for winning the first OPL title since 2014/2015 season.
“Everyone knows that Dhofar did not win the OPL title for more than 10 years, the chance came back again for us and we hope to do it.” Molay al Hasan Murad, Dhofar manager, said.
“We have two chances (win or draw) to win the title but we will play for the three points only.
Dhofar came back to Salalah with a convincing win from Sohar last week.
“I am very happy that all players were in a good form especially against Sohar and we will continue that against Al Shabab to make all loyal fans happy at the end.”
Dhofar will seek to overcome Fanja by recording the 10th title as now both of them have nine titles each, the most successful two teams in the OPL history.
Molay said, “All players, supporters and staff want to be the champions and I am confident we will do it”.
On the other hand, Al Shabab, who lost eight points in the last three games, which were quite enough for them to clinch the title before this game, will be keen to grab the first OPL title in their history.
Salim Sultan, Al Shabab manager. said: “It is an unusual game, and we are well aware of that, we prepared very well for it.”
Al Shabab who defeated Dhofar 3-0 in the first leg of the campaign, can win the league if they beat Dhofar by any score. The local manager continued: “We will travel to Salalah to win as we know it is the only way to get the title”
Salim said, “We were not lucky enough last three games but we are confident that we can do it in Salalah and come back to Barka with the title.”
Al Shabab lost their top scorer Brazilian Lokas due to number of yellow cards, but they might rely on the national striker Younis al Mashifri.
“Lokas’s absence is very impressive but I believe in the substitute and in all team,” Salim Sultan said.
In the other fixtures, Al Khabourah, Oman club and Muscat will battle to avoid the relegation play off as Al Khabourah are now at the 12th place with 27 points, Oman club 28 points at the 11th place, and Muscat 30 points at the 10th place.
Muscat will need only one point to secure their place in OPL next season when they face Al Suwaiq, while Oman club will have two chances to survive, winning against Fanja or Al Khabourah’s loss. Al Khabourah will need a magical stick to avoid relegation play off as they have to beat Al Oruba and Oman club do not win against Fanja.
Al Naser, Fanja and Al Suwaiq will also fight for the fourth place in order to have external participation next season. Al Naser will host Sohar, Al Suwaiq play with Muscat while Fanja travel to meet Muscat.
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