Oman lose friendly match against Iraq
Published: 06:06 PM,Jun 03,2024 | EDITED : 10:06 PM,Jun 03,2024
Oman lose friendly match against Iraq
MUSCAT: Oman under-19 football team suffered a 3-1 loss against the hosts Iraq at a friendly match at Al Shaab International Stadium in Baghdad city on Sunday as part of the ongoing camp in Iraq. Both teams will repeat the preparatory match again on Wednesday.
Under the guidance of national coach Ahmed al Alawi, the junior Red Warriors aimed to acclimatise to international match conditions in preparation for upcoming events. The national team entered the match with less focus during the opening half, allowing Iraq to dominate and create numerous opportunities. Qais Halkord opened the scoring for Iraq with a powerful strike from outside the box, setting the tone for the first half. Oman’s defence struggled, and a mistake by Fahad al Mukhaini allowed Laith Mahmood to capitalise and score Iraq's second goal, ending the first half at 2-0.
Oman's performance improved in the second half. Ghassan al Masrouri scored seven minutes into the second half, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, Iraq responded swiftly, with Mohammed Waheed hitting the bar. Despite several attempts, including a near-equaliser by Ghassan al Masrouri saved by Wassam Ali, Oman could not move the nets again. Mohammed Baqir al Shabani sealed Iraq's victory with a third goal in the dying minutes, concluding the match at 3-1.
The junior national team will have a busy schedule ahead, including participation in the West Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia in August. The team will also compete in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in September, with the finals slated for February 2025.
Under the guidance of national coach Ahmed al Alawi, the junior Red Warriors aimed to acclimatise to international match conditions in preparation for upcoming events. The national team entered the match with less focus during the opening half, allowing Iraq to dominate and create numerous opportunities. Qais Halkord opened the scoring for Iraq with a powerful strike from outside the box, setting the tone for the first half. Oman’s defence struggled, and a mistake by Fahad al Mukhaini allowed Laith Mahmood to capitalise and score Iraq's second goal, ending the first half at 2-0.
Oman's performance improved in the second half. Ghassan al Masrouri scored seven minutes into the second half, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, Iraq responded swiftly, with Mohammed Waheed hitting the bar. Despite several attempts, including a near-equaliser by Ghassan al Masrouri saved by Wassam Ali, Oman could not move the nets again. Mohammed Baqir al Shabani sealed Iraq's victory with a third goal in the dying minutes, concluding the match at 3-1.
The junior national team will have a busy schedule ahead, including participation in the West Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia in August. The team will also compete in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in September, with the finals slated for February 2025.