Ahli Sidab Enter Semis, Salalah Crush Masirah
Ahli Sidab secured a place in the semifinals of the 55th edition of His Majesty’s Hockey Cup 2025 following a dominant display on matchday two of Group Five, while Salalah thrashed Masirah to remain in contention. Both matches were played at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat.
Ahli Sidab showcased a composed yet pressing approach in their clash against Dhofar, maintaining a slight edge in possession and frequently attacking via the wings in the opening quarter. However, Dhofar’s defence, marshaled by goalkeeper Idris Issa al Balushi, held firm to keep the first period goalless.
The second quarter saw Ahli Sidab raise the tempo, exerting high offensive pressure and winning several penalty corners, although none were converted. Dhofar’s counter-attacking efforts, led by Sardar and Basim Khaddar Rajab, were repelled by alert goalkeeping from Ibrahim bin Nasser al Farsi, leaving the score 0–0 at halftime.
A tactical shift in the third quarter saw Ahli Sidab make better use of their set-pieces. Mohammed Zamir broke the deadlock in the 35th minute via a penalty corner, and extended the lead with another in the 39th minute, shifting momentum in his team’s favour.
The final period saw Zamir complete a standout hat-trick in the 47th minute, again from a penalty corner, marking a significant performance. Maitham bin Saif al Wahaibi added a well-crafted field goal in the 54th minute, pushing the lead to four goals. Dhofar’s Sardar scored a consolation goal in the 60th minute, settling the match at 4-1 and confirming Ahli Sidab’s place in the semifinals.
Salalah Keep Hopes Alive
In the day’s second encounter, Salalah overpowered Masirah with an 8-2 demolition, keeping alive their hopes of qualifying. Salalah imposed immediate pressure, striking early in the 8th minute through Redha Ali Nasser with a field goal to take a 1–0 lead.
The second quarter was all Salalah. Amjad Ali Hannan delivered two well-taken penalty corners in the 23rd and 31st minutes, followed by a captain’s field goal from Adnan bin Khalil al Hasani in the 33rd minute, giving Salalah a 4-0 advantage at halftime.
Masirah attempted a comeback in the third quarter. Jumah bin Abdullah bin Jumah al Noufli narrowed the deficit with a penalty corner in the 38th minute, and Aditya Singh added another from a field goal in the 45th minute, reducing the lead to two.
But Salalah responded with authority in the final quarter. Al Hasani scored again, making it 5-2, followed by Saleh Bait Faraj in the 51st minute, before an in-form Amjad al Hanan netted the seventh. Al Hasani then completed the rout with his third goal, sealing a comprehensive 8-2 victory.
The final group round, set for Thursday, will determine the second semifinalist from Group Five. Dhofar face Masirah, while Salalah meet Ahli Sidab in a decisive encounter.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
