Exciting Finish to Week One of the 55th HM Hockey Cup
The curtain came down on the thrilling first week of preliminary rounds in the 55th edition of His Majesty the Sultan’s Hockey Cup, as matches concluded on Saturday evening across multiple venues. The week was marked by impressive attacking displays and dominant wins, with several teams making strong early statements in their pursuit of qualification.
Saham Tops Group 1 After Commanding Win
At the Sohar Club Complex, Saham kicked off their title campaign with a resounding 5–1 victory over Majees in Group One. Setting the tone early, Saeed al Maamari opened the scoring in the 5th minute, giving Saham a 1–0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Majees fought back with an equaliser from Abdullah al Raisi in the 22nd minute, but Saham responded swiftly as Al Mulhim al Mariki restored the lead in the 28th minute, sending Saham into the break ahead 2–1.
The second half was all Saham. Al Maamari added his second in the 36th minute, before Salem al Mariki found the net in the 39th minute and again in the 50th, sealing a dominant victory for the team.
Sohar Blanks Al Salam with Clinical Performance
In another Group One clash, Sohar showcased their intent with a comprehensive 4–0 win over Al Salam, also held at the Sohar Sports Complex. Ibrahim al Maamari got the scoring underway in the 10th minute, followed by Omar al Maamari in the 18th. Ibrahim then scored his second from a penalty corner in the 23rd minute. The scoring was completed by Shabeeb al Shibli, who converted another penalty corner in the 50th minute. The result places Sohar just behind Saham in the standings based on goal difference.
Capital Clash Sees Oman Overcome Muscat
Over in Group Two, fans were treated to a heated derby at the Oman Hockey Stadium, where Oman Club outplayed local rivals Muscat to earn a 3–1 victory. The match was tightly contested in the early stages, but Oman’s clinical edge in front of goal made the difference, earning a valuable three points.
Dhofar Take Command in Group 3
In Group Three, Dhofar’s first team stamped their authority with a convincing 4–1 win over Al Ittihad at the Sultan Qaboos Youth, Culture and Entertainment Complex in Salalah. After a cagey start, Ahmed Akaak opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the 6th minute. Mohammed bin Ghalib extended the lead in the 22nd minute, and Akaak found his second goal in the 44th minute. Abdullah Awad struck in the 50th to make it 4–0. Al Ittihad’s Fuad Rabeeh managed a consolation goal in the 57th minute, also via a penalty corner, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Week One Group Standings Overview
After an action-packed opening week, the group standings shape up as follows:
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Group One: Saham leads with 3 points (+4 goal difference), followed closely by Sohar, also with 3 points, but a lower goal difference. Majees and Al Salam remain without points.
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Group Two: Qurayat stands at the top with 3 points and a commanding +8 goal difference, followed by Oman with 3 points (+2). Muscat and Nizwa are yet to register any points.
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Group Three: Dhofar and Mirbat are level on 3 points with an identical +3 goal difference, while Al Ittihad and Fanja are still searching for their first win.
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Group Four: Masirah leads with 3 points (+2), while Al Rustaq and Al Nahdha share second with one point each. Ibri sits at the bottom without any points.
With the first week setting a high bar for competition and excitement, teams will look to carry momentum into the upcoming fixtures as the quest for glory in the 55th HM Hockey Cup continues.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
