Oman- Beach Soccer Professional League: Al Shabab crowned champion

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Al Shabab was crowned champion of the inaugural edition of the Al Swayni Oman Beach Soccer Clubs' Professional League in Salalah which concluded in a thrilling fashion on Friday.

In the final Shabab held its nerve to edge Musannah out 5-4 in a penalty shootout after both the sides were locked 8-8 following extra-time.

Sohar claimed the third place with a 7-5 win over Al Nasr.

Abdul Qadir al Haddad the vice-chairman of Dhofar Municipality presented the winner's trophy in the presence of Amin al Swayni the CEO of Al Swayni Sports Services. The Shabab team received a cash award of RO2500 while Musannah took home RO1500.

Musannah's Nooh al Zadjali was named the best player of the tournament. He was also the league's top-scorer with 14 goals.
Talib Hilal Oman's beach soccer team's coach attended the week-long tournament to spot talent for the national fold and came out a happy man at the conclusion of the tournament in which 12 of the 14 Omantel Professional League (OPL) teams took part.

Speaking to Muscat Daily on Saturday Talib Hilal said 'I was pleasantly surprised with the high standard of play at the tournament. Overall it has been an impressive display from all the players.'

Talib Hilal who is also a FIFA instructor said 'The teams had been preparing for this league for a couple of months and it reflected on the performance of the players. I am happy with what I saw. I have decided to call up 15 players for a camp soon.

These players are strong and well-built which you require in a sport like beach soccer. They are talented; all that they need is to get their technique polished.'

He added 'I have asked the Oman Football Association (OFA) to organise a camp as it would be a big step forward to be able to prepare a second national team. Once that camp is organised I can draft four-five players from there into the national side.

'The league has paved the way for a good second national beach soccer team and I have now found ideal replacements for each position [in the existing national side]. I was struggling with my bench strength when we were preparing for the Beach Soccer World Cup in Espinho Portugal in July. It is not going to be like that anymore.'

Talib Hilal pointed out that the league in Salalah served as an indicator of the popularity of beach soccer in the Dhofar
region with an encouraging turnout of fans drawing the attention of the organisers.

'Dhofar Municipality played a big role in ensuring the tournament's success. The efforts of Al Swayni to promote beach soccer have been very positive' Talib Hilal said. 'Al Swayni is now keen to hold another national-level tournament in the Batinah region in February. With more events proposed and several clubs planning to hold beach soccer competitions I think we are on the right path.'

Oman's beach soccer team has had a remarkable year so far under Talib Hilal winning the Gulf and the Asian titles and also recording its first ever win against Costa Rica at the World Cup in Espinho on July 13.

The inaugural pro league featured Fanja Dhofar Shabab Al Suwaiq Muscat Salalah Al Nasr Sohar Saham Musannah Al Nahda and Al Khabourah.