Monday 05 / May / 2025
MUSCAT: The desire and determination to collect trophies and adorn their overflowing cabinet at the club headquarters in Salalah continues for Dhofar players.
A football powerhouse, Dhofar underlined their dominance yet again in the country with a comprehensive 2-0 win over holders Al Nahda in the final of 2023-24 His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship, played at Khasab Sports Complex in Musandam Governorate for the first time, on Friday.
This victory also marks another zenith in the enduring bond between Dhofar’s coach and legendary footballer, Younis Aman, and the club.
His Majesty’s Cup stands as the pinnacle of football supremacy in Oman, and on Friday, Dhofar inscribed their name yet again in the annals of the Sultanate’s sporting history by securing their 11th crown.
With a total of 22 major domestic trophies, including 11 top-flight league titles, Dhofar boasts a record unparalleled in Omani football.
On the field, in front of a respectable crowd of nearly 10,000 spectators, Dhofar sealed their triumph with goals from penalty kicks in each half.
Notably, the match witnessed a historic moment for Omani football, as Video Assistant Review (VAR) made its domestic debut. A VAR review in the dying minutes of the first half resulted in a penalty awarded to Dhofar, duly converted by their captain, Ali Salim, securing a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Despite efforts from Al Nahda, led by coach Hamad Al Azani, to mount a comeback, Dhofar’s resolute defense held firm, denying their opponents any chance of equalising.
In the 64th minute, another penalty was awarded by referee Mahmood Al Majrafi to Dhofar, which was cooly converted by Hussain Said, further solidifying their lead.
Dhofar defenders denied a series of attacks from Al Nahda attackers to deservingly emerge champions.
Dhofar’s journey of HM’s Cup title triumphs began as early as 1977 after the launch of Oman’s most prestigious competition in 1972.
Dhofar then won back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981 and after a long gap regained glory in 1990. Another hiatus of nine years saw them win again in 1999 before clinching top honours in 2004 and 2006. Further title success of the Salalah heavyweights were achieved in 2011 and then another twin success was recorded in the 2019-2020 and 2020-21 seasons.
Besides the 11 titles, Dhofar also finished runners-up on four occasions.
Later, Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam gave away the trophy to the Dhofar captain Ali Salim and gold medals to the players in presence of Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Basil Al Rawas, OFA chairman Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi, and other top dignitaries.
