Kuwait City: Oman booked a semifinal spot after holding UAE 1-1 in the third round of the 26th edition of Arabian Gulf Cup hosted by Kuwait until January 3. The match was held at Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah Stadium on Friday evening.
Player of the match Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini saved a crucial penalty by the UAE in the final stages of the match.
The match started with high movement, while the UAE team started the attack in the second minute but Ibrahim al Mukhaini was in time to deny UAE. In the sixth minute, Oman's Al Munther al Alawi tried to respond through a strong shot from outside the box but the shot landed in UAE’s goalkeeper hand.
UAE intensified their pressure and in the 20th minute, UAE’s Yahya al Ghassani succeeded to reach the Omani net after connecting a cross from Khalid Ibrahim.
First half ended with UAE leading with possession of 48 per cent and 52 per cent for Oman. While the number of shots reached 6 for UAE compared to 3 for Oman. Second half started with balanced play until the 62th minute when Oman made a good attack but it was ruled offside.
In the 69th minute, Issam al Subhi tried with a dangerous direct shot from inbox to earn a corner.
In the 79th minute, Omani striker Al Munther al Alawi sent a nice assist and was netted inside by Abdulrahman al Mushaifri to draw the match.
After the goal Oman team showed more control, as did many attacks but didn't result in a second goal.
The match ended with a 1-1 draw which led Oman to the semifinal.
In another match of Group A, hosts Kuwait and Qatar also played out a 1-1 draw. Kuwait made into the semifinals after finishing second in the group with five points.
Kuwait took the lead through Mohammed Daham in the 74th minute. Qatar equalised in the 11th additional minute when Mohammed Muntari’s header found the net.
Bahraini international referee Ammar Mahfouz officiated the match, assisted by Mohammed Jaffar, Abdullah al Ruwaimi, and Saudi Khalid al Turais as the fourth referee, while VAR was handled by Japanese Iida Gami, assisted by Iraqi Ahmed Kazim.
Group B will conclude the third round competition on Saturday evening at 6:30 (Oman time), when Iraq will take on Saudi Arabia, and Yemen will face Bahrain.
Bahrain with six points have already qualified to the semifinal. Iraq and Saudi Arabia will compete for the second position as Yemen are out of contention for the semifinals.
Pics by Hussain al Maqbali
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here