Seeb secured an important 1-0 victory against Al Nasr in the semifinal first leg match of Oman Football Association (OFA) Cup at Seeb Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
The first half saw clear dominance from Seeb, with their first dangerous opportunity coming in the 15th minute through a powerful shot from Nasser al Saqri outside the penalty area. On the other hand, Al Nasr relied on defensive organisation and quick counterattacks. Notably, Nushiri Samuel nearly scored for Al Nasr in the 20th minute with a dangerous corner kick. Despite Seeb’s possession and numerous chances, Al Nasr’s defence and goalkeeper Said al Sinani were up to the challenge, ending the first half in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Seeb came out strongly, with Abdulaziz al Maqbali almost opening the scoring early on, but Al Nasr’s goalkeeper brilliantly saved his shot. In the 55th minute, Samuel missed a significant opportunity for Al Nasr after a crucial intervention by Seeb’s defence.
Seeb maintained the pressure, with their players appealing for a penalty in the 75th minute after a challenge by Al Nasr defender Fahmi Durbin on Salem al Raisi. The deadlock was finally broken in injury time, as Omar al Malki scored the winning goal with a stunning header in the 90+4th minute, giving Seeb the upper hand before the second leg.
The return leg is scheduled to take place at Al Saada Sports Complex on March 18.
SOHAR EDGE BAHLA
In the other semifinal first-leg match, Sohar claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Bahla at Sohar Sports Complex.
The match's sole goal came in the 33rd minute, scored by Saud al Maqbali, who capitalised on a precise pass inside the penalty area to skillfully place the ball in the net, giving his team the advantage in the two-legged tie. Despite repeated attempts by Bahla to equalise, Sohar’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm, preserving their lead until the final whistle.
The return leg will take place at Nizwa Sports Complex on March 18, where the finalist will be decided.
The OFA Cup is a revitalisation tournament in which the top-tier Oman League clubs participate without their international players during breaks in domestic competitions.
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