Seeb, Al Nahda claim narrow wins in OL

Muscat, August 26

Seeb achieved a valuable 1-0 victory over Sur in the third round match of the Omantel League to keep their lead at Seeb Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The match started with offensive momentum from Sur team, as their players pressed hard on Seeb goal during the first minutes, using the movements of the wings. However, Seeb defence, and the brilliance of goalkeeper Bilal al Balushi, prevented Sur from scoring the lead goal.

As time passed, Seeb reorganised and began launching dangerous attacks. Some of these nearly found the back of Sur’s net, if not for the brilliance of their goalkeeper Salim al Dawoodi and their well-organised defence, leaving the first half to end in a goalless draw.

In the second half, and after an equal start, Seeb succeeded in snatching the winning goal from a quick attack that came after a long pass from the defence line. The team took advantage of Sur players' advance and Abdulaziz al Muqbali succeeded in scoring the only goal in the 47th minute after he was alone with the goalkeeper and shot a powerful ball that settled in the net.

After scoring the goal, the pace of the match increased, as Sur tried for an equaliser by launching repeated attacks, but Seeb's defence was on the lookout. The Seeb coach made some substitutions to strengthen the midfield and defence, which contributed to securing the result. In contrast, Sur intensified their attacks in search of a draw, benefiting from the offensive activity of their substitute elements, but Seeb's defence —led by Mohammed al Musalmi and Ahmed al Khamisi and goalkeeper Bilal al Balushi —was able to confront all attempts until the end of the match. So Seeb maintained their lead and came out with a difficult and valuable victory.

With this victory, Seeb continued to lead the league with full points, achieving nine points from three matches. Sur remained without points after suffering their second consecutive loss.

AL NAHDA EDGE AL SHABAB

Al Nahda defeated Al Shabab 1-0 in a close match held at Al Buraimi Sports Complex.

The match started with high tactics from both teams, as it witnessed an exchange of attacks between them. Al Nahda team had the advantage in controlling the game, as they tried to reach Al Shabab's goal through the flanks and penetrations from depth. In contrast, Al Shabab relied on counterattacks and long balls that did not pose a great threat to Al Nahda goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini's goal.

From an organised attack that started from the middle of the field, Bilal Bin Saha was able to shoot a powerful ball that settled in Al Shabab's net, scoring the only goal in the match in the 38th minute. After the goal, Al Nahda retreated to defend, which gave Al Shabab a chance to press, but to no avail, and the half ended with Al Nahda leading by a clean goal.

In the second half, Al Shabab tried to return to the match, but Al Nahda's defence was solid, and Bilal Bin Saha almost added a second goal if it were not for the intervention of Al Shabab's defence. The match ended with Al Nahda winning by a single goal, achieving 9 points from 3 matches.

It is worth noting that Al Nahda is the only team in the Omantel League that has kept a clean sheet during the past two rounds.