MUSCAT: Dhofar secured a place in the quarterfinals of His Majesty's Cup football championship after defeating Al Salam 1-0 at Sohar Sports Complex on Sunday. Dhofar started the game with clear dominance, creating several dangerous opportunities, most notably Hamad al Habsi's shot, which Al Salam goalkeeper Khalifa al Maamari saved in the 20th minute. Just a minute before the end of the first half, Mohammed al Habsi scored the only goal of the match, capitalising on a pass from Sultan al Marzouqi.
In the second half, Al Salam attempted a comeback through counterattacks, but a lack of focus denied them the equaliser. Dhofar's defender, Abdul Salam Amer, almost scored an own goal in a moment of confusion. On the other hand, Dhofar missed chances to double the lead, including Abdullah Zaher's shot in the 77th minute, which Al Salam's goalkeeper parried away.
Al Salam suffered a setback when Bangaly Soumahoro was sent off in the 91st minute, allowing Dhofar to maintain their lead until the final whistle and secure a well-deserved qualification to the quarterfinals.
AL SHABAB EDGE OMAN CLUB
Al Shabab advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Oman Club 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out. The match, held at Seeb Sports Stadium, ended 1-1 after regular and extra time.
The first half saw an energetic start from both teams as they vied for control. Al Shabab held the upper hand, creating several chances, including a missed opportunity by Issam al Sabhi in front of goal. In the dying moments of the first half, the referee awarded a penalty to Oman Club after a handball, but Mahmood al Hassani missed, sending the ball wide. The half ended in a goalless draw. Al Shabab started the second half strongly, and their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Issam al Sabhi converted a precise cross from Mahmood al Mashifri into a goal. Oman Club responded positively, and their efforts were rewarded when Al Munthir al Alawi scored the equaliser in the 61st minute, following an improved team performance. Despite numerous attempts from both sides, the second half ended 1-1, leading to extra time.
The extra periods featured exchanges of chances, with Al Munthir al Alawi coming close for Oman Club, but Al Shabab’s goalkeeper made a brilliant save. Neither team managed to find the winning goal, taking the game to penalties. In the shoot-out, Al Shabab emerged victorious, winning 4-3, and securing their place in the quarterfinals.
QUARTERFINALS SCHEDULE
The first-leg matches of the Sultan’s Cup quarterfinals are set for January 18, with the return legs scheduled for January 28 and 29. The standout fixture will be between Dhofar and Al Nasr, with the winner of this tie facing the victor of the Sohar and Al Shabab clash in the semifinal.
In another match-up, Seeb will take on Ibri. The winner of this encounter will meet the victor of the Al Nahda-Saham tie in the semifinal. The semifinal first-leg matches will take place on February 7 and 8, with the return legs scheduled for February 17 and 18. These matches will determine the two finalists who will compete for the prestigious title.
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