Iraq edge Oman for crucial points

MUSCAT, Sept 5

Ayman Hussain’s first half goal delivered hosts Iraq the winning points as they defeated Oman 1-0 in their opening game at AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26 Group B tie at Basra International Stadium on Thursday night. With their victory, Iraq took full three points from the initial game in the Asian qualifiers to be among top teams in the group. The only goal in the match came in the 14th minute through a header from Ayman Hussain.

Both teams were very focused in the earlier minutes of the clash and the hosts created many attempts towards Oman’s goalie Ibrahim al Mukhaini. Iraq’s star forward Aymen Hussain missed his first header attempt from the centre of the box after a great assist by Hussein Ali but the ball was high and wide to the left.

After continuous attacks from the Iraqi side, Ayman Hussain managed to break the deadlock as he netted the opening goal in the 14th minute from header after a perfect cross by Ali Jasim from the corner point. Following the rivals goal, Oman’s players pressed hard in the opponent’s area to find the equaliser. Iraq’s goalkeeper Jalal Hassan saved a shot from Essam al Subhi who was very close to score the equaliser. Al Subhi entered the box and sent a strong shot towards Hassan who managed to save it properly to ensure Iraq’s lead by 1-0 in the 25th minute.

The coach Jesus Casas' side then retreated back in the following minutes to preserve their goal from Oman’s attack. Hussain, the active striker of Iraq, was inch closer to score another goal as his shot from inside the box was saved by Ibrahim al Mukhaini in the 40th minute.

Few minutes later, he sent another strong ground ball from outside box but it went left side of goalie Ibrahim al Mukhaini in the additional minutes of the first half. Oman’s responded through Mohammed al Ghafri whose header went above the bar to end the first half with Iraq leading at 1-0.

GOOD TURNOUT

The match featured a big crowd attendance from Iraqi fans as it was the first time for the team to host the Asian qualifiers for World Cup since 20 years. Omani fans also attended the game at Basra as part of the national campaign 'We are all with you'.

Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy made his first substitution by beginning of the second half as Zahir al Aghbari replaced Essam al Subhi while Mohsin al Ghassani entered to replace Mohammed al Ghafri.

Oman came close to scoring the equaliser when Abdulrahman al Mushaifri crossed a ball towards Mohsin al Ghassani who completed the move with a header from the centre of the box but it missed to the left in the beginning of the second half.

Iraq players were focusing on the defence to prevent Oman’s scoring chances while Oman were attempting to score the equaliser and kept pressuring the opponent’s defence. Abdullah Fawaz tried to score from long distance but his shot was saved by Jalal Hassan in the 88th minute.

Six minutes were added as additional time for the second half but the match scenario did not change as Red Warriors were still finding for a solution to score but the competitor’s defending line and goalie broke all the attempts. The referee showed red card to Oman’s Arshad al Alawi in the 95th minute for a violent conduct and later the match ended with a 1-0 victory for Iraq.