MUSCAT, Dec 18 - Three-time champions Al Suwaiq will take on Oman Club in the His Majesty’s Cup football last 16 knockout round and Saham are pitted against Seeb, in another big match as the draw for the round was held at the Oman Football Association (OFA) headquarters on Monday.
At the Seeb Sports Stadium, Saad bin Moosa al Jenaibi, General Manager of Qatar National Bank, Oman, was the chief guest in the presence of OFA Chairman Shaikh Salim al Wahaibi along with other OFA office-bearers and officials.
Saad al Jenaibi picked the draw to decide the last 16 fixture of the prestigious tournament.
The matches will be held on February 3 with the detailed schedule to be announced soon.
The matches will not have extra-time in case of a draw and will be decided by penalty shoot-outs.
Holders Al Suwaiq will hope to extend their run in the tournament after they crashed out of the Mazda Cup in the first round against Al Salam. Omantel League leaders Al Suwaiq had thrashed Qurayat 4-0 in the round of 32 in the HM’s Cup.
In a derby last 16 clash, Al Bashayer will take on Samayil.
Said al Balushi, General Secretary of OFA, said the fair draw will see the teams tussle for the quarterfinals.
“The chances are equal for the sides and I believe this is a big chance for the lower division clubs to make an impact and enter the last eight of this prestigious championship.”
He also said that the national team is all set for a great Gulf Cup in Kuwait.
Talking about Oman given the opportunity to host the AFC Annual Awards 2018, Shabib al Hosni of OFA said it was quite a surprise for the OFA. “We didn’t expect it. It shows the legacy of football in Oman and how the country is viewed as a footballing nation in Asia.”
“It will be a prestigious occasion for the Sultanate and we are for sure determined to make it a memorable event.”
On the HM Cup draw, he said it is a competitive one and all the teams have a fair chance to advance in the knockout round.
HM Cup last 16 draw
Al Wusta vs Sur
Al Bashayer vs Samayil
Al Shabab vs Nizwa
Saham vs Seeb
Sohar vs Al Mudhaibi
Bidiyah vs Ahli Sidab
Al Nasr vs Al Rustaq
Oman Club vs Al Suwaiq
Anuroop Athiparambath
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