Muscat, Oct 30
Oman's Seeb Club secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League on Tuesday after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bahrain’s Al Ahli. The match, part of the second round of the group stage, was held at Seeb Sports Stadium.
The match kicked off with both sides exchanging passes and launching attacks towards the goals. Al Ahli began with slight dominance in possession, but Seeb soon found their rhythm and organised several dangerous attacks, taking advantage of their players' speed. Seeb's performance improved gradually, posing a greater threat from the flanks and through the centre. This growing pressure forced Al Ahli’s players to drop back in defence to absorb the relentless attacks from Seeb.
In the 22nd minute, Eid al Farsi broke the deadlock, capitalising on a scramble in the penalty area and slotting the ball into the net to give Seeb the lead. Following the goal, Al Ahli intensified their efforts to equalise, but Seeb’s defence held firm. A dramatic moment occurred when Seeb thought they had doubled their lead through Abdulaziz al Muqbali, but the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that the ball had touched his hand before crossing the goal line. The first half ended with Seeb leading 1-0.
The second half started at a faster pace, with Al Ahli pressing from the outset in search of an equaliser. They controlled the game’s tempo initially, launching several dangerous attacks through crosses and set-pieces. One of the most notable chances came from a high cross by Facundo Agustin, but Seeb’s goalkeeper Bilal al Balushi made a brilliant save, tipping the ball out for a corner and denying Al Ahli the equaliser.
On the other hand, Seeb relied on counter-attacks, hoping to exploit the spaces left by Al Ahli's advancing players. Ali al Busaidi almost doubled Seeb’s lead after receiving a precise through ball and firing a shot towards the goal, but it narrowly missed the left post, wasting a golden chance.
Despite several close opportunities, Al Ahli’s goalkeeper stood out with impressive saves, keeping his team in the match. In the 65th minute, Seeb launched a swift counter-attack led by Omar al Malki, who broke through on goal and unleashed a powerful shot, only for it to be blocked by the goalkeeper and cleared from danger.
Despite Al Ahli’s persistent attempts to find an equaliser, Seeb held on to their narrow lead and missed multiple chances to seal the win with a second goal. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Seeb, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
With this crucial victory over Al Ahli, Seeb top their group and advance to the quarterfinals without needing to wait for the result of their upcoming match against Hilal Al Quds.
PICS by Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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