DOHA: Saudi Arabian defender Ali al Bulaihi snatched a fatal goal in critical time to help Saudi snatch the first three points against Oman in the Group F match at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Tuesday night.
Oman were first to score through Salah al Yahyai, who converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute, to end the first half with a 1-0 lead.
Saudi recovered from the shock of Salah’s goal and succeeded in equalising in the 78th minute with an individual effort by Abdulrahman Ghareeb, then followed by the decisive goal from Ali al Bulaihi, who fired the winner in the 90+6 minute.
Croatian Branko Ivankovic, head coach of Red Warriors, expressed his satisfaction with performance level against Saudi Arabia.
At the post-match press conference, Ivankovic said, "Oman team relied on an appropriate tactical plan to stop the Saudi team. And players executed the plan well unless for some mistakes."
"The Omani players prepared well during the preparation period, and all teams in the group have the ambition to win. We are happy with showed level as a team in the opener. However, we were unlucky against Saudi, but our chances to qualify for the second round are still alive, and we will work to strengthen them by winning against Thailand," he added.
The Croatian coach considered the Saudi match’s result to be a motivation to provide the best against Thailand.
Italian Robert Mancini, Saudi Arabia head coach, expressed his happiness over their victory over Oman team.
"The Saudi team demonstrated great technical capabilities and succeeded in establishing match control in the second half, despite the late goal due to organisational errors that were not taken into account, but we deserved to win the match."
"We worked to change the team's appearance in the second half by strengthening with multiple elements and modifying the playing method," he added.
The Italian coach did not hide his great appreciation for the Oman team, describing them as a distinguished and strong team.
The Saudi victory is considered as twenty-second out of 49 matches in the history of Asian Nations Cup finals, compared to 13 draws and 14 losses.
The total fans attending the match were 41,987 at Khalifa International Stadium.
After Tuesday's matches in Group F, Saudi Arabia and Thailand earned three points each. Saudi Arabia top the group with better goal difference over Thailand.
Oman are third and Kyrgyzstan are fourth and last. Oman will meet Group F toppers Thailand on January 21 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, which accommodates 10,000 fans, in Doha at 6:30 pm Oman time.
Saudi Arabia will face Kyrgyzstan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium which accommodates 45,000, in Doha at 9:30 pm Oman time.
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