5 days ago
Ali Olwan hits hat-trick as Jordan blank Oman
MUSCAT, June 5 The Jordanian star striker Ali Olwan delivered a crucial victory to his team as Jordan blanked Oman 3-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday night at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The emphatic win boosted Jordan's chances of securing direct berth qualification to the Fifa World Cup next year for the first time in their history as they reached 16 points. On the other hand, the defeat meant Red Warriors dashed their hopes for a top-two finish and now redirects their efforts toward the playoff spot route as they remained at ten points.
The first half saw a cautious start from both sides with each team tightening their defensive lines to avoid an early setback. Jordan dominated midfield possession and had the first significant threat when Moosa al Tamari found the net in the 11th minute only to be flagged offside.
Oman's first reply came moments later, as Abdulrahman al Mushaifri fired a powerful effort that narrowly missed the left post. In the 23rd minute, Essam al Subhi had a clear opportunity to score but was denied by a brilliant save from Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila. The Red Warriors mounted more pressure, with Thani al Rushaidi heading over from a corner and al Mushaifri again being blocked from long range. However, momentum shifted in Jordan's favor after Khalid al Buraiki conceded a penalty following a VAR review. Ali Olwan converted from the spot in the 35th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The first half concluded with Oman pushing for an equaliser but unable to break through a disciplined Jordanian defense.
The second half saw Jordan coach Jamal Selami bring on Saleem Obaid for Mohammad Abu Al Nadi in a move that revitalised Jordan's attack. In the 52nd minute, Olwan doubled the lead with a calm finish off a pinpoint assist from Yazan Al Naimat. Twelve minutes later, Olwan completed his hat-trick, latching onto a perfectly timed pass from Moosa al Tamari and converting from close range to make it 3-0 in a scoreline that proved insurmountable.
Final Push
Oman coach Rasheed Jaber reacted quickly as he introduced Hatim al Roshdi for Harib al Saadi, Al Mundher al Alawi for Salah Al Yahyaei and Zaher Al Aghbari for Jameel Al Yahmadi. Despite the changes, Jordan's disciplined defensive line absorbed the pressure well. Oman's efforts, particularly from Ali al Busaidi and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri lacked the final touch, as Jordan held firm to seal a clinical 3-0 victory in Muscat.
