MUSCAT, APRIL 24
Al Shabab defeated Al Wahda 2-1 in a match played at the Sur Sports Complex, as part of the 18th round of the Oman League on Tuesday.
The first half started with an average level of play with short passes from both sides. Al Shabab had a chance in the fifth minute through Hatim al Humaimi, who shot a ball that went wide of the post.
Al Shabab players then had several chances that were not executed perfectly. Al Wahda did not perform as expected and did not reach Al Shabab's goal. The performance continued without any danger amidst a retreat by Al Wahda players and slowness by Al Shabab players. The score remained 0-0 between the two teams.
The second half started well with an attacking spirit from both sides. A ball was prepared for Hatim al Humaimi in the 48th minute, but it was saved by Al Wahda goalkeeper Ibrahim al Rajhi.
Al Wahda responded with a ball through Dhiab al Shehimy, who shot a ball that went over the crossbar in the 50th minute. In the 58th minute, Al Wahda striker Musha'al al Majizi missed a certain goal after entering the penalty area and shooting a wide ball. The 63rd minute witnessed Al Shabab's first goal from a counterattack after the ball reached professional player Marcelo Gomes, who took advantage of the advance of Al Wahda goalkeeper Ibrahim al Rajhi, to put the ball into the net.
After the goal, the performance became active and a goal opportunity appeared for Al Shabab through Hatim al Humaimi, who found himself alone with the Al Wahda goalkeeper, but he put the ball outside the goal, wasting a chance to score the second goal in the 71st minute. Al Wahda striker Musha'al al Majizi led an attack inside the 18-yard box and was tackled by Al Shabab defenders in the 87th minute. The referee did not hesitate to whistle for a penalty kick, which was converted by Hamad al Mukhaini to score the equaliser.
Attempts continued and from an Al Shabab attack, the ball reached Marcelo Gomes, who put the ball into Al Wahda's net, scoring the second goal for Al Shabab in the 90th minute. The match ended with Al Shabab winning 2-1.
With this victory, Al Shabab raised their tally to 23 points and moved up to seventh place, while Al Wahda's score remained at 10 points, bottoming out the overall standings of the league.
IBRI MOVE UP
Ibri defeated Dhofar 1-0 on Tuesday evening in a match played at the Ibri Sports Complex.
Dhofar entered the field pressing Ibri in an attempt to score an early goal, but the steadfastness of Ibri defence, led by goalkeeper Mazen al Kasbi, prevented that. In the 15th minute, Dhofar had a chance through Raed Ibrahim inside the penalty area, but he was unable to capitalise on it. Dhofar's attacking attempts continued, but to no avail, and the first half ended in a 0-0 draw.
The second half started with the same attacking pace from Dhofar, but Ibri defended well and emerged from Dhofar's attacks safely. In the 65th minute, Ibri managed to score the winning goal through Emmanuel Mahoub, who took advantage of a counterattack and shot the ball into Dhofar's net. Dhofar tried to come back into the match, but Ibri defended well and kept a clean sheet. The match ended with Ibri winning by 1-0.
With this victory, Ibri raised their points to 24, snatching fifth place from Al Rustaq on goal difference, while Dhofar dropped to ninth spot with 20 points.
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