Latest news with #HMCup
Observer
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Dhofar sign Durbin ahead of 2025-2026 season
MUSCAT, JULY 5 Salalah giants, Dhofar, reinforced their first team with a series of strategic signings and key player renewals as part of preparations for the 2025–2026 football season under the leadership of Club Chairman Shaikh Said bin Ahmed al Rawas. The international defender Fahmi Durbin from Al Nasr Club was the high-profile signing and among the leading announcements. Durbin, who captained Al Nasr, will wear the jersey of Dhofar to assist the team with a clear ambition and to win championships and bring joy to the passionate Dhofari fans. In another significant addition, full-back Anwar Mubarak was also presented as a new signing. Known for his stamina and consistent contributions, Mubarak joined the Salalah based team with high expectations as the club will aim to mount a serious challenge on all fronts in the upcoming campaign including defending the title of the Super Cup and vying at the top domestic events including HM Cup and Omantel League. Complementing the new signings, Dhofar Club confirmed the renewal of contracts for several key players, reinforcing the club's commitment to both continuity and ambition. Dhofar's captain and the experienced defender Ali Salem, an iconic figure in Dhofar's modern history, renewed his commitment to the team. The club hailed him as a symbol of loyalty and legacy as he will continue delivering his efforts to Dhofar. The recent signings and renewals are part of a top efforts to build a competitive squad Dhofar's goalie Mazin al Kasbi, known for his dependability and fighting spirit, also extended his stay with the club. He is continuing to form the backbone of Dhofar's defensive unit. Another important renewal came from the fast and daring right-back Omar Adil, who will continue to don the red jersey in continue a new chapter in the journey of leadership. Despite competing in the First Division League last season due to licensing issues, Dhofar clinched the division title in style with a 2-1 victory over Muscat in the final match. The club, which boasts a rich history with 11 Omantel League titles and six runner-up finishes, now set their sights on a return to the top flight. The recent signings and renewals of the club, which was established in 1970, are part of a top efforts to build a competitive squad capable of reclaiming domestic glory and returning to continental competition. It is expected they will enter the new season with high hopes to restore their place at the summit of Omani football.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
OHA holds meeting with sports clubs representatives
MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing efforts to promote hockey in the Sultanate of Oman, the Technical Committee of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) held an extensive meeting with representatives of sports clubs, attended by Dr Marwan al Jumaa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association, to discuss ways to develop local competitions and enhance both technical and organisational participation. The meeting addressed several key topics, including increasing the number of clubs participating in hockey competitions to expand the game's reach across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates and raise the level of competitiveness among teams. Attendees also discussed the mechanisms for including foreign players and referees in competitions, considering it an important step toward elevating the technical level and providing more opportunities for international experience. The meeting also touched on the latest updates to the game's rules issued by the International Hockey Federation, which will be implemented starting next season. Attendees emphasised the importance of raising awareness of these changes among teams and administrators to ensure effective application. During the meeting, the Association also announced the organisation of a Level 3 coaching course to qualify national talent and enable them to lead teams professionally. Among the proposals discussed was the organisation of public and entertainment events alongside His Majesty the Sultan's Cup for Hockey to enhance the community aspect of the championship and encourage public attendance and engagement. The meeting was attended by Marwan al Jumaa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association In this context, Abdulrahman al Balushi, Board Member of the Association and Chairman of the Technical Committee, stated that the meeting focused especially on the HM Cup, which is the oldest and most prestigious competition in Omani hockey history. This year marks the tournament's 55th anniversary, granting it special importance on the national sports calendar. Al Balushi noted that the meeting discussed the need to increase the number of clubs participating in the tournament and encourage them to sign foreign players to raise the competition's technical and promotional level, ensuring broader regional and international exposure. He also emphasised the importance of involving international referees and organising an international refereeing course with both local and foreign participants to enhance the competency of national officiating staff. Additionally, Al Balushi stressed the importance of media and marketing campaigns for the tournament, calling for intensified promotional efforts across various media channels and digital platforms to match the tournament's status and attract audiences for positive engagement. He also highlighted plans to hold accompanying fan events at the hockey field in the Wilayat of Al Amerat to create a festive atmosphere befitting the occasion and to attract a larger number of spectators and hockey enthusiasts. In conclusion, Al Balushi praised the positive response from the participating clubs, which expressed their full readiness to cooperate with the Association in implementing the proposed ideas and initiatives. He affirmed that such consensus would contribute to developing competitions and strengthening hockey's presence on the sports scene in the Sultanate of Oman.
Observer
03-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Seeb to take on Kuwait's Al Arabi in AFC Challenge
Muscat: Oman's Seeb Club are gearing up to take on Kuwait's Al Arabi on Wednesday at the latter's home at Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah Stadium in Sulaibikhat in the quarterfinal first-leg match of 2024-25 AFC Challenge League. Seeb's delegation arrived in Kuwait on Monday and they will have two training sessions ahead of the encounter. The second-leg matches of quarterfinal round are on March 12 and 13 while the semifinals are scheduled on April 9 and 17 in two legs too. The final match of the AFC Challenge League will be held on May 10. The runners-up of the HM Cup and the league leaders are entering the match with strong advantage as they have managed to win all the three matches to top Group C. Seeb had a memorable continental debut in 2022 after they lifted the historic AFC Cup. Seeb are inch closer to lift the second consecutive and fourth overall Oman Professional League shield as they are currently leading the table order of the top domestic league. Seeb head coach Nikola Djurovic will depend on the stars who are representing the current squad of the national football team including: Jameel al Yahmadi, Mohammed al Musallami, Ahmed al Khamisi and Zaher al Aghbari besides former players like Eid al Farsi, Abdulaziz al Maqbali and others. On the other hand, Al Arabi from Kuwait advanced to the knockout stage as the best runners-up in the West Region, besides that they are 17-time Kuwait Premier League champions. Al Arabi SC managed to earn a 2-1 win over Al Nasr in the last round of Kuwait's league and they revived their hopes to compete against Kuwait SC in the standings list of the league. In the other matches of West Asia, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata will host Group A winners East Bengal of India against Group B winners FC Arkadag. The home side, who won their maiden Super Cup in 2024, are appearing in a knockout stage for a fifth time and were AFC Cup semifinalists in 2013. Their opponents from Turkmenistan, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable rise since being founded in 2023 – two successive league and cup doubles have been achieved by winning all 66 domestic matches to date and they will eye further progress on their continental debut.
Observer
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Nasr, Seeb and Al Shabab secure HM Cup semifinal spots
Muscat, Jan 30 Al Nasr secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Dhofar in their second-leg clash on Wednesday at Salalah Sports Stadium in the HM Cup quarterfinals. With this triumph, Al Nasr advanced to the semifinals, having already won the first leg 1-0 and knocked out the defending champions from the tournament. The first half saw an exchange of attacks, with Abdul Fadel Saounina coming close to an early opener for Al Nasr, while Dhofar responded with a dangerous attempt from Mohammed al Habsi, which goalkeeper Ibrahim al Rajhi brilliantly saved. The deadlock remained until the 43rd minute, when Juma Marhoon al Habsi struck the first goal for Al Nasr, giving his team a 1-0 lead at half-time. Dhofar attempted a comeback early in the second half, but Al Nasr extended their lead in the 52nd minute through an own goal by Dhofar defender Mustafa Saal, who misjudged his clearance. Dhofar's struggles worsened when Firas al Souri was sent off in the 70th minute. Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Al Nasr netted a third goal in the 79th minute through Khalid al Ghatrifi, before Walid al Muslami completed the rout in the 88th minute. The emphatic 4-0 victory ensured Al Nasr's well-deserved place in the semifinals. SEEB CONTINUE DOMINANCE Seeb continued their dominance over Ibri, securing another 3-0 win in the second leg of the quarterfinals at Ibri Sports Complex. This result confirmed Seeb's spot in the semifinals, having won by the same scoreline in the first leg at home. Seeb started the match strongly, aiming to settle the tie early. The opening goal came in the 16th minute when Abdulaziz al Maqbali capitalised on a well-placed cross inside the box, slotting the ball into the net. The pressure from Seeb continued, with Amjad al Harthy nearly doubling the lead in the 30th minute with a powerful shot that went over the bar. However, he made amends four minutes later with a stunning long-range strike that surprised goalkeeper Murshid al Hamhami, making it 2-0. Not satisfied with a two goal lead, Seeb struck again four minutes later when Ahmed al Khamisi headed home a well taken cross, wrapping up the first half with a 3-0 lead. In the second half, Ibri attempted to close the gap through counter-attacks and had a dangerous opportunity in the 66th minute via Yahya al Yaqubi, but he failed to convert. Meanwhile, Seeb maintained control of possession but could not add to their tally. The match ended 3-0, confirming Seeb's deserved qualification to the semifinals. AL SHABAB EDGE SOHAR Al Shabab secured a place in the semifinals after holding Sohar to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday at Sohar Sports Complex, advancing on aggregate after winning the first leg 1-0. The match was evenly contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the net. Al Shabab's Hatim al Roshdi and Hassan Korani posed a threat, while Sohar's best opportunities came through Abdul Muin al Marzouqi and Youssef al Saadi, but neither side could capitalise. With this result, Al Shabab will face Al Nasr, while Seeb take on Saham in the semifinals. The first-leg matches are scheduled for February 7 and 8, with the return legs of the semifinals set for February 14 and 15.
