MUSCAT, AUG 31
Sohar blanked Dhofar 3-0 while Bahla and Al Rustaq settled for a 1-1 draw in the Omantel League third round matches on Wednesday.
Bahla hosted Al Rustaq at the Nizwa Complex and the game burst into action with Bahla striker Richard Arthur netting an early goal within the
second minute, setting the tone for an intense match.
Al Rustaq retaliated with determined efforts to level the score. Their perseverance paid off when Mohammed al Ghafri struck
the equaliser in the 26th minute. Despite ongoing gameplay, neither team managed to capitalise on substantial opportunities, culminating in a 1-1 draw.
The game exhibited a gritty edge, resulting in six players accumulating yellow cards. Bahla's Mahdi al Rawahi, Marwan al Ghafri, Al Qasim al Sulaimi and Anas al Qassabi, along with Al Rustaq's Khalifa al Jamahi and Saud al Habsi, all found themselves cautioned.
Following this result, Bahla Club secured an additional point, propelling them to a total of four, while Al Rustaq Club secured their third point, having played to three draws.
SOHAR THRASH DHOFAR
At Sohar Complex, the hosts orchestrated a convincing 3-0 victory over Dhofar.
The first-half commenced with Dhofar Club instigating pressure, utilising a numerical advantage in the midfield. In contrast, Sohar initiated their offensive manoeuvrers with a structured build-up from the back.
Both teams enjoyed numerous opportunities, yet profligate decision-making in front of the goal resulted in a goalless stalemate by half-time.
The second-half saw Sohar adopting an assertive approach, exploiting a disorganised Dhofar defence and capitalising on collective errors. The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute, courtesy of Frank William.
Dhofar sought to stage a comeback, earning a penalty kick in the 74th minute due to their high-pressure tactics. Unfortunately for them, Moataz Saleh's attempt rebounded off the post to Abdullah Noah, who missed the mark. This misfortune galvanised Sohar, propelling them to seize control and generate several scoring opportunities.
As the match progressed into overtime, fatigue took its toll on Dhofar players, enabling Sohar to capitalise. Professional Daniel Aitor struck twice in the 92nd and 96th minutes of injury time, sealing Sohar's decisive 3-0 victory.
The result elevated Sohar's tally to 7 points, garnered from two wins and a draw, consolidating their position at the league's summit. Meanwhile, Dhofar remained stagnant at 3 points, following a single victory and two defeats.
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