Oman football: Suwaiq to start HM’s Cup title defence against Quriyat

Muscat: Three-time winners Suwaiq will launch their His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship title defence against Quriyat on November 17.
The draw for the 2017-18 edition of the Sultanate’s premier football championship was conducted during an impressive ceremony presided over by His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Asad bin Tareq Al Said at Al Shafaq on Sunday evening.
The ceremony was attended by Oman Football Association Chairman Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi and the present and former officials of the Oman Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports Affairs as well as the representatives of the 32 participating clubs.
Fanja will start their quest for the record-extending tenth title against a strong Al Mudhaibi Club. Salalah giants Dhofar will be looking to match Fanja’s nine titles are drawn against Saham in another first round fixture.
While the first round matches are scheduled for November 17, the round of 16 matches will take place on February 3, 2018.
The last eight matches will be played on February 17 and 22 with the last four matches scheduled for March 17 and 31.
AFC licence
During the ceremoy, Dhofar and Suwait clubs were also presented with the AFC Club Licences.
The ceremony also saw the Oman Football Association honour 13 persons who served as the chairmen of the OFA Competitions Committee since the formation of the Sultanate’s football body back in 1983.
HM’s Cup first round fixtures:
Al Nahda vs Al Nasr
Samayil vs Al Musannah
Saham vs Dhofar
Jalan vs Al Wusta
Al Shabab vs Majees
Al Arouba vs Nizwa
Mirbat vs Oman
Suwaiq vs Quriyat
Bausher vs Ahi-Sidab
Rustaq vs Al Ittifaq
Sohar vs Bahla
Salam vs Sur
Seeb vs Salalah
Bidiya vs Al Ittihad
Al Bashayir vs Muscat
Al Mudhaibi vs Fanja