Seeb edge Bahla to win fourth OFA Cup
MUSCAT, MAY 19
Seeb's first football team was crowned champion of the 2024-2025 Oman Football Association Cup for the fourth time in its history after defeating Bahla 2-1 in the final at Seeb Sports Stadium. The match was held under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth.
The opening minutes saw Seeb dominate possession seeking an early goal, relying on the pace of their attacking players who launched several dangerous attempts on Bahla's goal. The most notable being Al Mushaifri's powerful shot that narrowly missed the post in the 15th minute. Despite Seeb's pressure, Bahla showed solid defensive organisation thanks to standout performances by Omar al Hinai and professional player Loki Vikimi, along with goalkeeper Salah al Handhali, who made several crucial saves.
Just when Seeb seemed in control, Bahla surprised their opponents a minute before half-time when Abdulsalam al Shukaili capitalised on a perfect through ball from Hosni al Hinai, breaking free and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Ahmed al Rawahi to give Bahla the lead. The first half ended with Bahla ahead 1-0.
The second half started with a faster tempo, with Seeb players showing greater focus and determination to quickly equalise, applying continuous pressure from the first minute on Bahla's goal.
Seeb's attacking play became more effective, featuring quick, short passes that unsettled Bahla's defence, which tried to absorb the pressure while relying on counter-attacks led by Abdulsalam al Shukaili and Kipama Malova.
BAHLA'S RESISTANCE
In the 55th minute, Seeb finally broke Bahla's resistance when Jameel al Yahmadi delivered a perfect cross to professional player Aboubakar Kamara, who rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the net to the left of goalkeeper Al Handhali, levelling the match at 1-1.
Seeb players receive the trophy. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani
The play remained balanced in the middle stages of the half, with Bahla making timid attempts to regain the lead, the most notable being a shot by Faisal al Balushi that narrowly missed the post.
Then in the 82nd minute, substitute Omar al Malki scored the winning goal for Seeb with a brilliant header from a precise cross that caught goalkeeper Al Handhali off guard. Despite Bahla's late attempts to equalise, Seeb's defence held firm until the referee's whistle confirmed Seeb's title victory.
At the end of the match, guest of honour Basil al Rawas honoured the refereeing team, followed by the players and technical staff of Bahla, the tournament runners-up, before presenting the Seeb players and their technical and administrative teams with the championship trophy, officially concluding the 2024-25 football season.
Pics by Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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