MUSCAT, OCT 8
Saham club qualified for the round of 16 in His Majesty the Sultan's Cup, setting a date with Dhofar, after defeating Nizwa club 5-2 in an exciting match that extended to extra-time.
The initial minutes of the first half were not exciting, with few opportunities and neither team showing strong offensive play. The teams exchanged possession of the ball, but without real danger until the 13th minute when Saham’s Mohammed Fawzi had a chance to score the first goal, which Nizwa's defence managed to clear.
Nizwa's team quickly responded and succeeded in taking the lead in the 20th minute after a defensive error by Saham players, but Nizwa's lead didn't last long as Suleiman Al Maamari narrowed the gap by scoring a goal for Saham in the 25th minute. Then, both teams tried to reach the goal but all attempts were not seriously dangerous, ending the first half with a 1-1 draw.
The second half saw continued exchanges between the two teams. From a counter-attack, Nizwa’s Ayoub al Salimi managed to score the second goal and take the lead for Nizwa. Saham managed to equalise in the 80th minute with a goal by Mohammed al Balushi. Consequently, the match ended in the original time with a 2-2 draw, requiring extra-time.
In the first period of extra-time, Saham intensified their attack and focused on hitting the net. Mohammed al Balushi scored two consecutive goals, and had an assist to his teammate Abdullah al Abdulsalam who scored the fifth goal, ending the first half of extra-time with Sohar leading 5-2.
In the second half, Nizwa were unable to penetrate Saham's defence, ending the match with Saham winning 5-2.
With this victory, Saham advanced to the round of 16 to face Dhofar.
On the other hand, the qualification matches for the HM’s Cup round of 16 have been completed.
The last 16 round matches are scheduled for October 19, 20 and 21. The match between Sohar and Al Seeb stands out as one of the prominent matches, to be held at the Sohar Sports Complex. On the other side, defending champions Al Nahdha will face Sur Club at Al Buraimi Sports Complex. The other matches will witness exciting encounters between Fanja and Al Khaburah, Al Nasr and Al Talea, Salalah and Bahla at Nizwa Sports Complex, Al Rustaq and Ibri and Oman Club and Al Mudhaibi. The round of 32 matches saw a total of 24 goals scored.
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