Latest news with #IssamalSubhi
Observer
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman drop two spots in Fifa ranking for July
MUSCAT: The national football team dropped two positions in the latest Fifa World Rankings which was released on Thursday. Red Warriors placed at the 79th globally with 1323.91 points compared to 81st position and 1314.41 points in the previous rankings published earlier this year. The updated standings reflect the outcomes of Oman's recent performances in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 2026, where the Red Warriors faced two crucial encounters that shaped their campaign. Despite a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Jordan in Muscat, the team bounced back in dramatic style as they secured a 1-1 draw against Palestine in their final Group B match, thanks to a late penalty equaliser from striker Issam al Subhi. That decisive goal ensured Oman's progression to the playoff round and keeping their World Cup hopes alive. The team's initially scheduled a comprehensive domestic training camp in Salalah from July 1 to 19, aimed at refining the squad's readiness for the next phase. However, the Oman Football Association (OFA) recently announced the postponement of this camp. In an official statement issued on July 1, the OFA explained that the postponement decision was made in light of an ongoing comprehensive technical and administrative review conducted by its Technical Committee. This internal evaluation is part of the association's broader goal to enhance the quality of work and planning across the national teams. The review includes studying the past performance strategy, assessing the outcomes of the last qualification phase, and aligning the next steps with long-term development objectives for Omani football. The OFA emphasised that this measure is intended to maximise preparation and readiness ahead of major upcoming competitions. Despite the delay in domestic preparations, Oman team still will have a significant international assignment before the playoff stage resumes. The national team is set to participate in the CAFA (Central Asian Football Association) Nations League 2025, a friendly international tournament scheduled from August 26 to September 9, co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Oman drawn into Group A alongside the hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, while Group B featured Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Malaysia. The tournament is expected to provide vital competitive exposure especially as Oman will face teams with varying tactical strengths and styles. The Red Warriors previously took part in the 2023 edition of the CAFA Nations League and are expected to leverage that experience to field a well-prepared squad for this year's edition. All eyes are on the playoff draw which is scheduled to take place on July 17 as Oman will discover their opponent in the final stage of the Asian qualifiers. The playoff round will offer two direct additional qualification spots for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, to be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Subhi's late equaliser sends Oman to AFC playoff
MUSCAT: In a dramatic conclusion to their AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26 campaign, Oman secured the final playoff spot thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from striker Issam al Subhi, who converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to earn a crucial 1-1 draw against Palestine on Tuesday night at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman. Al Subhi's ice-cold finish in the 97th minute, after Mohsin al Ghassani was fouled inside the box, ensured Oman advanced to the playoff stage which will be held in coming October. The late draw kept Red Warriors hopes for qualifying to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The result saw Oman finish fourth in Group B with eleven points while Palestine on ten points bowed out in heartbreak. Oman and Palestine players in action Oman entered the match requiring only a draw to qualify while Palestine required a win to progress. Despite the pressure and playing with ten men for over twenty minutes following Harib al Saadi's red card, Oman showed resilience and tactical discipline to snatch the result in the dying moments. Palestine took the lead in the 49th minute when Oday Kharoub headed in a corner from substitute Adamhamza Kayed and sending the home crowd into raptures. The hosts had earlier looked the more dangerous side with Michel Termanini's header hitting the bar and several long-range efforts testing Oman's defense. However, despite going a goal and a man down, Oman kept their composure and their persistence was rewarded in stoppage time when a foul on substitute Mohsin al Ghassani handed al Subhi the opportunity to level the game and it was a moment he seized to dramatic effect. Oman player controls the ball FIGHTING UNTIL END Oman's head coach Rasheed Jaber praised his team's fighting spirit and ability to bounce back: ' We knew the match would be difficult for both parties and Palestine were very well organised and dangerous in the pitch. After conceding the goal and the red card, things became more complicated. But our players showed great spirit and didn't give up. I am proud of their effort and mentality.' He added 'This team deserves to be in the next phase. Now our focus turns to the playoffs. We are determined to continue our journey toward the 2026 Fifa World Cup.' He ended With the late draw earned, Oman's path to the 2026 Fifa World Cup remains alive. The playoffs in October will offer two more coveted spots for Asian countries and Oman will eye to capture on one of these tickets.
Observer
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman beat Kuwait 1-0 in World Cup Qualifiers
Muscat: On Tuesday, Oman recorded a big win 1-0 and extended its unbeaten streak against the Kuwaiti national team at the Jaber al Ahmad International Stadium, as part of the Group Two competitions in the eighth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. |The only goal of the match was scored by our national team striker, Issam al Subhi. With this victory, the team has ten points, maintaining its fourth place in the Group Two standings. Both teams were cautious in the first half, with Kuwait taking the lead in posing a threat. In the second half, Oman had the upper hand, scoring the opening goal through Essam Al-Subhi in the 56th minute. The second half witnessed some missed opportunities, the most dangerous of which came from our players, who benefited from the movements of Salah Al-Yahyaei and the speed of Al-Mundhir Al-Alawi after he came on as a substitute.
