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Observer
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Observer
Al Sabhi's late penalty sends Oman to World Cup play-off
Muscat: Oman kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Palestine on Monday evening, securing their place in the upcoming playoff round. The Group B qualifier, filled with intensity and tension, saw Palestine take the lead in the 49th minute through Oday Kharoub. The midfielder capitalized on a defensive lapse, curling a low shot past the Omani keeper to ignite celebrations in the Palestinian camp. Despite the setback and playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men following a red card to midfielder Harib al Saadi in the 73rd minute, Oman held their nerve. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when striker Issam al Sabhi was brought down inside the penalty box. Al Sabhi, stepped up and confidently buried the spot kick in the 90+7th minute — a goal that not only levelled the score but also booked Oman's ticket to the playoff stage. Oman dominated the match in terms of possession (60%) and completed 463 passes with 82% accuracy. While Palestine registered more total shots (13 to Oman's 10), the Omani defense proved more efficient, with 12 successful tackles and fewer fouls committed (4). Statistically, the draw reflected Oman's disciplined strategy and tactical patience. Substitutions made late in the game — including the introductions of midfielders Ahmed Fawaz and Zahir al Aghbari — brought renewed energy to a side under pressure. This result places Oman fourth in Group B with 11 points, narrowly ahead of Palestine who finish on fifth. South Korea and Jordan claimed the top two spots to secure automatic qualification. Oman's next challenge lies in a decisive playoff fixture that could send them to the World Cup for the first time since 2022 qualification efforts fell short.
Observer
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman on high confidence before Kuwait clash
MUSCAT, MARCH 23 The confident Oman will complete their technical readiness for Kuwait clash on Monday as they will have the final training session at the Jaber International Stadium venue which will host the clash between both parties on Tuesday as part of group B matches for AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26. Oman team delegation arrived to Kuwait city on Friday and commenced their training sessions at Khaitan SC. Furthermore, the fitness team directed the players to perform some physical training to ensure their fitness level ahead of the awaiting clash on Tuesday. Red Warriors are on high confidence following their late draw against South Korea last Thursday at Goyang Stadium. Oman players including the experienced member Ali al Busaidy delivered a crucial goal in the second half of the match to lift Oman hopes for automatic spots to the Fifa World Cup and to advance competing for the playoffs. Kuwait match will feature returning of many national stars including Harib al Saadi who was stopped in the previous match due to accumulated yellow cards. Oman's squad will be further strengthened by the presence of stars like Salah al Yahyaei, Al Munther al Alawi, Mohsin al Ghassani and Issam al Subhi. Head coach Rasheed Jaber and his team recognise the significance of this match, as a win would propel Oman to 10 points — bringing them closer to securing a playoff spot. Following the hard-fought draw against South Korea, Jaber emphasised that the team will capitalise on their positive momentum and push forward in the remaining fixtures. With two more qualifiers left — one at home in Muscat and another away against Palestine — securing three points against Kuwait would significantly ease Oman's path in the campaign. Free tickets 'We Are All With You' campaign will provide 100 tickets for some Omani fans to attend and support the national team in the upcoming match against Kuwait at Jaber International Stadium. The fans will travel and return back in the same day beside that there will be 2000 tickets allocated for Omani fans and they will be distributed to Omanis who are available in Kuwait.
