MUSCAT: Oman thrashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in the second match of junior Red Warriors of Group E at the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe on Wednesday. The victory revived the hopes to secure spot to AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 despite the expected remaining tough matches against North Korea on Friday and against the hosts Tajikistan on Sunday. The victory gave Oman team with three points while Sri Lanka remained with no points after suffering three consecutive defeats.
In another match, North Korea earned a crucial 2-0 win over Tajikistan on Wednesday. The win took the East Asians to seven points leading the group while Malaysia are in second position with four points but with one match less then the toppers. Oman are in third place with three points and with advantage of goal difference than Tajikistan.
Oman’s Ouadi al Manwari managed to open the scoring early in the first half as he netted the opening goal in the 12th minute. The attacker Muhand al Saadi doubled the lead six minutes later. Yousuf Ali al Shabibi was one of the match stars as he managed to score two goals in the 34th and 38th minutes. Faisal al Hadidi confirmed the victory as he scored the fifth goal in the 56th minute.
On Friday, Oman will aim for their second successive win in the qualifiers as they will take on North Korea. The match will kick off at 4 pm while Malaysia will conclude their group matches against Tajikistan at 7 pm. Oman team, coached by Ahmed bin Mubarak al Alawi, will enter the match with confidence and will aim to collect another three points in the group ahead of meeting Tajikistan in the concluding match on Sunday.
Oman suffered a 2-0 defeat against Malaysia in the opening match. Oman coaching staff completed their readiness for today’s game with final training session on Thursday and all the team boys were in good shape to deliver an outstanding match.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
