Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
25°C / 25°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Dhofar crowned OPL champions

1017415
1017415
minus
plus

By Jaber Al Ajmi — MUSCAT: MAY 20 - Dhofar sealed Omantel Professional League title as they drew with the contenders Al Shabab 2-2 in final week of the campaign. At Salalah Stadium, Said al Ruzaiki was the man of the game as he came off the bench to fire the crowds, scoring two goals in three minutes and giving Dhofar the lead after they were late 1-0 by the end of the first half.


The Salalah giants now have been crowned champions for the 10th time in their history (record).


The hosts Dhofar were the better side in the first half but Al Shabab had the luck to take the lead as Khalid al Buriki scored a wonderful acrobatic goal in the last minute of the first half. Al Shabab, who needed a win to clinch the title, entered the second half by playing in their defensive zone in order to maintain their lead which continued until the last 10 minutes as the successful substitute Said al Ruziki (Al Shalhoob) came off the bench in the 65 minute to net a brace in three minutes ( P.80’ 83’). Al Shabab then tried to come back to the game and they equalised by the Syrian left back defender Amro Jenyat in the 90th minute.


The draw gave Dhofar the title as they played for draw or win to be crowned, due to their three points ahead of Al Shabab.


“I am very happy for such a title that everyone was waiting for since 2004/2015 season’’ Molay al Hassan Murad, Dhofar manager said.


“I thank everyone who has been involved in this crowning; players, staff, supporters, loyal fans, and our leader Shaikh Ali al Rawas, club chairman who made everything possible for us to win the title.”


Dhofar has changed four tactician managers this season till they appointed the Moroccan Molay Murad in April. The former Sohar manager Molay made some good substitutes in the second half which made the difference.


“I kept Ali Salem and Said al Ruzaiqi on the bench because I was sure they could make the difference if we needed them and Said did not disappoint me when he came on in the second half by scoring two goals, with a help from Ali Salim who made the right side active.’’


“My men were patient and confident that they could come back to the game when we were late 1-0 by the end of the first half,’’ he added.


Dhofar, who are the most successful team in Oman with 22 trophies, are the only team left unbeaten at home in the campaign this season. Dhofar’s successful season might continue as they play the final of His Majesty’s Cup when they face Al Suwaiq later this month.


On the other important fixtures played this round, Al Khabourah were set to play promotion play off despite their 3-2 victory over Al Oruba, as Oman club also won 3-1 over Fanja. Al Khabourah remained in the relegation play off with 30 points while Oman club stayed in OPL thanks to their one point ahead of Al Khabourah (31 points).


Al Khabourah will face Mirbat in the promotion play off. The first leg will be on May 24, while the second leg will be on Sunday May 28.


Despite the worst season of Al Rustaq who relegated to the First Division League, their promising striker Isam al Barhi ended the OPL on the top of the scorer list with 16 goals, followed by Mohammed al Gassani (Saham) and Frank ( Al Nahdha) who have 15 goals each.


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon