Friday 21 / February / 2025
Muscat: Al Shabab Club has achieved a historic milestone, winning His Majesty's Football Cup for the 2024/2025 season for the first time in their history. Their victory came after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Al Seeb Club in the final, held at the Ibra Sports Complex in the North Eastern Governorate. The match was played under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Al Fadhl bin Mohammed Al Harthi, Secretary-General of the Cabinet.
The game began with both teams evenly matched, with much of the play concentrated in midfield. Al Seeb initially held a slight advantage. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 19th minute when Al Seeb defender Ahmed Al Khamisi was sent off for a handball on the goal line, denying a goal-bound shot from Al Shabab's Brazilian player, Emerson Silva.
Al Shabab capitalised on their numerical advantage, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Their pressure continued into the second half, culminating in the decisive goal in the 58th minute. Badr Al Alawi skillfully evaded the Al Seeb defence and unleashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Moatasem Al Wahibi.
Al Wahibi made several crucial saves to prevent Al Shabab from extending their lead, notably denying Yousuf Al Ghafri in the 86th minute after another attempt by Hatem Al Roushdi. Al Seeb came close to equalising late in the game, but Al Shabab's defence held firm, clearing the ball off the goal line to secure the victory.
Following the match, H.E. Sheikh Al Fadhl bin Mohammed Al Harthi presented the cup and gold medals to the victorious Al Shabab team, while Al Seeb received silver medals as runners-up.
The match officials were led by international referee Omar Al Yaqoubi, assisted by Hamad Al Ghafri, Mohammed Al Ghazali, Ali Al Harthi, and Azan Al Qutaiti. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was Emirati referee Mohammed Obaid, assisted by Yasser Al Mujrafi.
Al Shabab's path to the final included a penalty shootout victory over Al Nasr in the semi-final, a two-leg quarter-final win against Sohar, a penalty shootout victory against Nizwa in the round of 16, and a 3-2 win against Muscat in the preliminary round.
