Hashim Saleh Mohammed Al-Balushi (Arabic: هَاشِم صَالِح مُحَمَّد الْبَلُوشِيّ; born 15 October 1981), commonly known as Hashim Saleh, is an Omanifootballer.[1] He also played for the Oman national team for a decade.
Club career
Hashim has been wearing the number 9 jersey for clubs like Al-Nasr S.C.S.C. to rivals Dhofar S.C.S.C. In 2008, he returned to Oman and signed for Al-Suwaiq Club but then later returned to Dhofar. During his brief stay at Al-Suwaiq Club, he led them to victory in the Sultan Qaboos Cup final against Al-Nahda Club. After his return to Dhofar, he again lead his club to the final but unfortunately losing to a lower-leveled Saham SC. In 2010 Hashim Saleh renewed his contract with Dhofar, extending his stay with the club for another season and then later played for them till the 2010–11 season.[2] In 2011, he moved to Barka based club Al-Shabab Club and played for two seasons scoring 8 goals. On 27 July 2013, he signed a contract with his former club Dhofar S.C.S.C. On 13 July 2014, he signed a one-year contract with Oman First Division League side Salalah SC.[3][4]
He first showed his talent during the 16th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2003, scoring a goal in a 2–0 win over the United Arab Emirates. In the tournament, Oman finished at the fourth place, hence reaching its best ever position in the Arabian Gulf Cup competition, reaching the final four round for the first time, with eight points from two wins and two draws.[5]
In the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2007, he scored a magnificent goal in a 2–1 win over Kuwait. This goal stunned Kuwait and it was regarded by many as "the best goal in the competition". This was the second time when Oman reached to the finals but again they lost to the hosts, the United Arab Emirates. Ismail Matar, the Emirati legend, scored the lone goal of the match as United Arab Emirates won their first ever Arabian Gulf Cup.[6]
Finally in 2009, he helped his team to win their first ever Arabian Gulf Cup trophy.[7]
