Al Suwaiq face Oman Club in key HM Cup clash

Omantel League leaders Al Suwaiq clash with Oman Club while Saham and Al Seeb face off, in the key clashes of the remaining four fixtures of His Majesty’s Cup last 16 stage. Al Shabab will take on Nizwa while Bidya play with Ahli Sidab in the other games. The HM Cup champions Al Suwaiq reached the final last year after overcoming Oman Club 2-1 on aggregate, so Oman Club will see it as a good chance to avenge their loss, when they clash at Sultan Qaboos Stadium at 19:45. This season, Al Suwaiq are in their best form in all competitions. Last week, they qualified to the group stages of AFC Cup. They are also leading the standings of Omantel League with a clear six points over Al Shabab. Oman Club, who beat Mirbat in a penalty shootout in the last 32, are aware that Al Suwaiq are not only favourite to win the tie but favourite to grab both the Omantel league and HM Cup. The second game of the day and the more exciting tie in round 16 is Saham and Al Seeb clash. Both the teams love this prestigious cup as Saham won it twice while Al Seeb clinched it three times. The Omantel side Saham, who defeated last year’s finalist Dhofar in the last 32, are lucky to host single knockout leg at Sohar Stadium. This gives Saham an advantage over First Division League side Al Seeb, but the latter have a very good experience to overcome such conditions. The game kicks off at 17:00. After winning Mazda Cup last month as first trophy in their history, Al Shabab will try to keep their chances of qualifying for the quarterfinal alive when they take on Nizwa at Al Seeb Stadium (16:55). For the first time, Al Shabab are competing for all local competitions. They are in the second Omantel League spot, just six points behind the leaders Al Suwaiq. On the other hand, the First Division League side Nizwa will try to continue their surprises as they did in the last 32 when they defeated Al Oruba. The last game of the round will be between Bidya and Ahli Sidab as both the teams will fight to book a place among the best eight teams. It kicks off at Sur Stadium at 16:55. In last 32 game, First Division league sides Bidya passed Al Etihad 3-1, while Second Division League sides Ahli Sidab defeated the neighbours Bousher 2-1. Jaber Al Ajmi