30-03-2025
Oman finish runners-up in Beach Soccer Asian Cup
MUSCAT: Oman settled for the runners-up position at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 after they lost by 8-1 against Iran in the final clash on Sunday at the Jomtien Beach Arena. With the triumph, Iran retained the title and managed to win their fourth title in their history and this title put them ahead of Japan as the only four-time champions. Oman could not break the decade after long await as they remained with their only title in 2015 and finished this edition in the second place. On the other hand, Oman team confirmed their sixth appearance in the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 in coming May with Iran and Japan teams from Asia.
Oman player awarded the silver medal
The match began strongly by Iranian side who managed to dominate and take the lead in the game through several attacks towards Oman's goalie Younis al Owaisi. Mahdi Shirmohammadi and Movahed Mohammapour made active movement in the match from Iran side. Iran players found the target a minute before the end of the first period as Seyedmohammad Dastan made long range effort but it was saved through Amjad al Hamdani. Later, Shirmohammadi leaped high into the air to nod home the rebound.
In the beginning of the following period, the title holders worked hard to score more goals while coach Talib Hilal's men were not faced enough to create more attacks towards the opponent areas. One minute later from the second period, Reza Amiri doubled the lead for Iran as he smashed a free-kick home with the final bounce off the sand taking the ball away from the gloves of Oman's goalie Younis al Owaisi. Movahed Mohammadpour managed to extend the lead as he scored the third goal with a beautifully executed overhead kick that ended up in the top corner of Oman's goal.
Oman and Iran players in action
In the 18th minute, Sami al Balushi reduced the scoring gap for Oman before Ali Mirshekari added another goal for Iran from a free-kick while Mirshekari added his second in the game to made 6-1. Oman players worked very hard in the final period to return back to the match but it made little difference with Iran's Mohammadali Mokhtari who etched his name in the scoring list as he added to the score in the 32nd and 36th minutes to cap the emphatic win.
Oman players confirmed their presence in the final after they stun Asian heavyweights Japan 3-2 on Saturday. Oman players thumped UAE 7-2 in the quarters to book slot in the semifinal. Oman topped group D by three victories against Vietnam 7-1, Malaysia 6-3 and Bahrain 5-1.
The match began strongly by Iranian side who managed to dominate and take the lead in the game
Following the match, Iran players received the gold medals and the trophy of the championship while Oman players were been awarded the silver medals.
Japan players got the bronze medals as they won the third place in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025.
