Al Shabab, Al Nahda and Al Oruba clubs sealed their spots in the Round of 16 in 2022-23 His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship as they posted key wins in the first day matches of Round of 32 which got under way on Thursday.
At Al Rustaq Sports Complex, Al Shabab routed Nizwa 4-2 in a clash of first division league teams. Bashar al Balushi put Al Shabab in lead as he netted the opening goal while rivals Nizwa responded strongly as they managed to score two goals by Amjad al Mamari.
Later, Al Shabab players bounced back as Bashar al Balushi and Khalid al Buraiki scored the second and third goal besides an own goal by Nizwa defender which confirmed the crucial win for Al Shabab and crashed out Nizwa from an early stage of the coveted cup.
Al Nahda progressed into the last 16 after they edged Ibri 2-0 on Thursday night at the Ibri Sports Complex. Welmerson and Abu Baker Kamara sealed the triumph for the visitors.
Nine-time champions Fanja were knocked out by four-time champions Al Oruba 2-1 at their home venue in Sur Sports Complex. Former national team capitan Ahmed Mubarak ‘Kanu’ put Al Oruba ahead while Fanja could get the equaliser through Khalid al Ghafri. However, the equlaiser did not last long as Al Oruba’s Youssef Naser confirmed his team’s victory by registering the winner and moving to last 16 stage.
Three more matches of Round 32 will take place on Saturday as Al Khabourah will meet Sohar at Al Rustaq Sports Complex. The match will start at 17:00. Bidiyah will host Bahla at Sur Sports Complex and the match will begin at 17:00. Seeb Stadium in Muscat will be the venue for Muscat-Al Ittihad fixture which will kick off at 20:00. On Sunday, Sur will face off Al Bashayer while Al Musannah will take on Al Ittifaq.
