Kuwait City: The Oman national team edged Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a thrilling first semifinal of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup at Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium in Sulaibikhat City in Kuwait on Tuesday evening.
Oman reached the final for six times, after winning the title twice in the 19th and 23rd editions, and lost the final in the 17th, 18th and 25th editions.
Oman were facing Saudi Arabia for the first time in the Gulf Cup semifinal. And over all 21 matches, Saudi Arabia won 17, compared to four by Oman.
Oman will face the winner of the second semifinal between hosts Kuwait and Bahrain, in the final on January 4 at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium, which can accommodate 80,000 spectators.
In the first minute, Saudi Arabia earned a free kick from just outside of Oman penalty box that was saved brilliantly by a diving goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi.
In the 16th minute, Omani striker Abdullah Fawaz took advantage of the goalkeeper's advance to shoot from outside the box which was hit by a Saudi defender to earn a corner.
In the 24th minute, Saudi striker Marwan al Sahafi wasted an amazing cross from Abdullah al Hamdan to put out of the left post.
In the 34th minute, Omani striker Al Mundher al Alawi was handed a red card after he stepped on Saudi Arabia's star player Salem al Dawsari.
One minute later, Oman's Abdullah Fawaz tried to reach the Saudi net from an outbox shot to hit the defender.
Omani goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi landed a strong shot from Yasir al Dawsari in the 44th minute.
BREAK-THROUGH
In the 45+5th minute, Omani players launched a strong attack as Issam al Subhi’s shot to the far post was cleared for a corner.
The first half ended goalless as Oman head 38 per cent possession compared to 62 per cent by Saudi Arabia.
The second half started with equal pressure, until the 59th minute when Saudi striker Abdullah al Hamdan went through to reach Omani net before the VAR ruled the goal offside.
In the 74th minute, Oman netted the breakthrough goal after Arshad al Alawi found the target from a free kick just outside the Saudi box after a foul on him by Musab al Juwayr.
Oman's Issam al Subhi's attempt was saved by the Saudi goalkeeper in the 75th minute.
Ali al Busaidy made it 2-0 for the Red Warriors after a nice pass from Abdulrahman al Mushaifri in the 78th minute.
In the 87th minute, Saudi's Mohamed Ibrahim reached the Omani net to secure their first goal.
Oman defence and goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi withstood some final attempts by Saudi players to score an equaliser to march into the final with a 2-1 win.
Oman had a possession of 31 per cent compared to 69 per cent for Saudi Arabia in the second half.
Oman's midfielder Arshad al Alawi was selected as the best player of the match.
The match was officiated by Turkish referee Halil Olmut, assisted by Kerim Ersoy, Ibrahim Ciglar and Mustapha Gherbal. Japan's Eddie Jamie was the video assistant referee, assisted by Mohammed Obaid.
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