MUSCAT: Oman sealed their spot in the first-ever Fifa Arab Cup after edging out a fighting Somalia 2-1 in the qualifier in Doha on Sunday night.
Oman dominated the first-half to score their both goals, while Somalia pulled one back in the second-half, which saw an even contest.
Mohsin al Ghassani and Salah al Yahyai found the target for the Red Warriors, while Somalia’s goal was scored by Abel Gigli.
At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in the Qatari capital of Doha, Oman made a brisk start with forwards Abdulaziz al Maqbali and Mohsen al Ghassani raiding the Somalia penalty box frequently.
Oman created several moves and Mohsin’s strong shot hit the bar and another was punched away by the Somalia goalkeeper Mustafa Ahmed.
In the 11th minute Oman opened their account when Mohsin sprang into action after tapping a rebound into the net after a firm shot by Abdulaziz rebounded off the Somalia goalkeeper.
In the 32nd minute, Abdullah Fawaz -- who was the live wire in the Oman attack – skied a shot above the bar.
Minutes later, Al Ghassani came into the thick of action again as the lanky striker was brought down by the Somali goalkeeper while chasing a ball away from his post.
Referee ruled a penalty and Salah al Yahyai made no mistake with a cool finish as Oman went up 2-0 in the 36th minute.
Oman kept their 2-0 lead till the break.
In the second-half, 197-ranked Somalia made a nice comeback against the 80th ranked Oman.
Oman, who are back after a gruelling World Cup Asian qualifiers at the same venue last week, saw a resurgent Somalia who pressed hard for a goal.
The East African side stunned Oman with a goal in the 54th minute as Abel Gigli’s low header beat Oman goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi.
Coach Branko Ivankovic brought in striker Khalid al Hajri for Al Maqbali and Mohsin al Khaldi came in for Fawaz to provide fresh energy for the Red Warriors.
Somalia made some valid efforts till the end of the final whistle, coming close on a couple of occasions, but Oman keeper Al Rushaidi stood his ground to deny them.
Oman, who had just booked their place in the third and final round of AFC qualifying for Qatar 2022, now joins the hosts Qatar, Iraq, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Algeria in the tournament’s final phase from November 30 to December 18.
On Saturday, Sudan beat Libya 1-0 to qualify for the finals of 2021 Fifa Arab Cup.
Mohammed Abdelrahman scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 16th minute.
The remaining qualifiers will determine the other five participants in the days ahead.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
