Al Seeb, having already confirmed their place in the quarter-finals after two victories, threatened in the fifth minute through Mataz Saleh, who collected Rahman Al Mushaifri’s pass but pulled his effort wide.

Hilal Alquds came alive in the 11th minute, Muhamad Darwish missing the target from just outside the box while Rami Al Masalma sent his effort over the bar two minutes later.

Al Seeb had a chance moments later but Saleh mistimed his header from above the area, before Omer Al Malki’s own headed attempt just missed the left post, following Zahir Al Aghbari’s set-up.

The Omani side continued to push forward and threatened again at the half-hour mark with Al Aghbari testing Hilal Alquds keeper Issa Abdeen from distance, while Al Malki wasted another headed attempt when he sent Hassan Al Ajmi’s dipping cross over the bar.

Al Seeb finally found the opening in the 44th minute after excellent link-up play from Abdul Rahman Al Mushaifri and Al Malki, who muscled through before setting up Al Aghbari for a fine finish.

Al Seeb increased their intensity in the second half and doubled their lead in the 56th minute with Al Maqbali rifling home Al Mushaifri’s cutback.

The AFC Cup™ 2022 winners struck again in the 70th minute with Al Maqbali converting from the spot to sound out a warning that they are title contenders.