MUSCAT, August 21
Al Nahda secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ibri on Tuesday at the Ibri Sports Complex, as part of the second round of the Omantel League.
Since the beginning of the match, Al Nahda intensified their attacks in search of an early goal and almost achieved that in the third minute with a header from Ahmed Ali al Matroushi, but the ball passed next to the left post. The pressure from Al Nahda continued, and at the end of the first half in the 44th minute, Abdulaziz Khalfan Al Shamousi managed to score the only goal of the match after a wonderful pass from Bilal Bin Saha, to end the first half with Al Nahda leading.
In the second half, Al Nahda continued their attacks but for the steadfastness of Ibri's defence and the brilliance of their goalkeeper. Despite Ibri's attempts to adjust the score through counterattacks, Al Nahda maintained the lead until the final whistle.
With this victory, Al Nahda continued to achieve the full mark under Serbian coach Nikola Durovic, posting their second victory in a row. Ibri remained without points under national coach Mohsen Darwish after suffering their second defeat.
AL KHABOURAH EDGE SUR
Al Khaburah earned a valuable 1-0 win over Sur at the Sur Sports Complex.
The first half started with an average pace from both teams, until the 11th minute when Noah al Arimi managed to score the first goal for Al Khabourah, taking advantage of Sur's defence retreat. In the 18th minute, Al Khabourah had another opportunity through Zakaria al Qurtubi, but he failed to convert it into a goal. After that, the match took on a fast attacking character with Al Khabourah trying to increase their lead, while Sur sought to equalise the score. Despite Al Khabourah's good organisation in the middle of the field, Ahmed al Riyami almost scored a second goal with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area that hit the post in the 39th minute, ending the first half with Al Khabourah ahead.
In the second half, Sur increased pressure in search of an equaliser, as they wasted a valuable opportunity in the 63rd minute when Moaz al Arimi's shot hit the post. Sur continued attempts, but Al Khabourah managed to organise their defence and control the midfield to maintain their lead, and the match ended with Al Khabourah winning by 1-0.
With this victory, Al Khabourah continued their brilliance after their promotion from the first-division league, achieving their second consecutive victory. As for Sur, this match was their first in the tournament after their first match against Dhofar was postponed due to the latter's case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
SEEB KEEP OL LEAD
Seeb claimed an important 1-0 win over Al Shabab at the Rustaq Sports Complex.
The match started cautiously from both sides, with early attempts from Al Shabab, as the first opportunity was in their favour through a header by Khalid al Buraiki that hit a Seeb defender and turned into a corner kick in the 16th minute. Two minutes later, Ali al Busaidi sent a cross from the left side but it did not find anyone to follow it in front of Al Shabab's goal.
Seeb showed better organisation in the middle. Omar al Malki managed to score the only goal of the match in the 20th minute with a header that he put into the net of Al Shabab.
After the goal, Seeb continued attempts to raise the lead, while Al Shabab tried to equalise.
In the second half, Al Shabab pressed hard in search of a draw, but their attempts failed in front of the organised Seeb defence and the brilliance of their goalkeeper. Both teams made several changes to change the result, but the match ended with a victory for Seeb, who continued to lead the league with six points after their victory in the first round over Ibri. Al Shabab remained without points after the two rounds.
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