MUSCAT: Defending champions Seeb stayed at the top of the Jindal League standings after a 1-1 draw with Al Nahda in the headline match of Thursday’s third-round action, while Saham climbed strongly with a 2-1 victory over Ibri and Samayil shared a goalless draw with Fanja.
The results kept Seeb in first place with seven points from three matches, ahead of Al Nahda on goal difference. Seeb have scored six goals and conceded twice, while Al Nahda moved to seven points with five goals scored and three conceded. Al Nasr and Oman Club remain close behind on six points with a match in hand, leaving the top of the table open ahead of Friday’s remaining fixtures.
At Al Buraimi Sports Complex, the expected early-season summit between Seeb and Al Nahda delivered a competitive contest but no winner. Seeb made the brighter start and went ahead in the 10th minute through Nasser al Rawahi, who continued his strong start to the campaign by giving the champions an early advantage.
Salem Habib secured a second victory for Saham against Ibri in the third round of the Jindal League for the season.
Al Nahda responded with character and found the equaliser in the 23rd minute through Djeban, ensuring the match returned to level terms before the break. Both sides tried to push for a winner after that, but the defensive structure of the two teams held firm as the match ended in a draw that kept both unbeaten.
The result may have denied either side a full breakthrough at the summit, but it preserved their strong starts. Seeb remain leaders due to their superior goal difference, while Al Nahda showed they can stand firm against the defending champions after their dramatic 3-2 win over Al Shabab in the previous round.
Ibri and Saham players in action during the third round of the Jindal League.
SAHAM EDGE IBRI
At Ibri Sports Complex, Saham produced one of the most important results of the day by defeating Ibri 2-1. Salem Habib was the star for Saham, scoring twice in the 34th and 61st minutes to give his side a valuable away victory. Ibri reduced the deficit through Omar Bala in the 66th minute, but Saham held on to secure their second successive win.
The victory lifted Saham to six points from three matches and moved them into fifth place, giving the team a strong response after opening the season with defeat. Ibri, who had entered the match with momentum after their 4-0 win over Samayil, remained on four points.
Samayil and Fanja play out a goalless draw in the third round of the Jindal League.
At Nizwa Sports Complex, Samayil and Fanja settled for a 0-0 draw in a match that carried pressure for both teams. Samayil moved to four points after three matches, while Fanja collected their first point of the season after two opening defeats. However, Fanja are still waiting for their first goal of the campaign.
With Seeb and Al Nahda both on seven points, victories for Al Nasr or Oman Club would allow either side to join the leaders or even move into the top positions depending on goal difference, keeping the early race in the Jindal League wide open.
