OFA instructs domestic clubs league’s 24th week matches will start at 4 pm on Oct 23
The Oman Football Association (OFA) had circulated to all the Omantel League clubs that the 24th week matches of the top tier league will start at 4:00 pm on October 23 instead of 7:00 pm due to the recent decisions issued by the Supreme Committee on COVID-19 on Friday including the prevention of people’s movement and closing all public places and shops between 8 pm and 5 am from October 11 until 24.
The circulation featured also in case of extension of the night curfew, all the match timings will change to 4:00 pm as well. The same OFA decision was taken for first division league as well.
On the other hand, the domestic clubs are under way in gearing up for starting the action of 2019/2020 season. League leaders Seeb registered their second victory in the preparatory matches as they beat Fanja 1-0 through goal struck by Abulaziz al Maqbali who moved to Seeb recently.
Seeb had started the friendlies with a 2-0 win against Samayil in the previous week. Seeb’s goal came by Younis al Mushefari and Marwan Taeeb.
The second-placed Dhofar defeated his neighbours Al Ettihad 4-0 in the second friendly match while Dhofar giant suffered to a 1-0 defeat in the first match. The third match for Dhofar is against Salalah on Tuesday at Salalah Sports Complex. Al Rustaq beat Al Musannah 1-0 in a friendly match at the former’s home while the second preparatory match for Al Rustaq is scheduled on Tuesday in the same venue.
Oman club suffered to a 1-0 defeat from Nizwa while Fanja took Bausher in a friendly game late on Monday at the latter home. Saham and Al Shabab match ended in a 2/2 draw while Sur registered a 2-0 win against Al Suwaiq.
The friendlies are essential due to the long break of nonsporting action due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The preparatory matches are significant to adapt the players with the status and mood of the actual matches after a series of training sessions.
All the training sessions and preparatory matches from the domestic team are done under full implementation of the approved OFA medical protocol and precautionary measures that will ensure prevention of the spreading of the COVID-19 virus among the players.
Moreover, all the matches were held without attendance of the spectators due to the current health situation and in full adherence to the instructions of the Supreme Committee and Ministry of Health.