FOOTBALL – Issam Al Sabhi struck twice as Oman stunned Asian champions Qatar with a 2-1 victory in the 26th Gulf Cup at Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium yesterday.
Qatar took an early lead in the second minute when Almoez Ali latched onto Ibrahim Al Hasan’s clever through ball to score. However, Oman responded brilliantly, equalising in the 20th minute as Al Sabhi converted a penalty after being brought down by Lucas Mendes inside the box.
Al Sabhi completed his brace in the 52nd minute, firing into the roof of the net from close range after a precise low cross from Ali Al Busaidi on the left.
Despite Qatar’s relentless efforts to find an equaliser, including a strike from substitute Abdelrehman Moustafa that rattled the post, Oman’s solid defence held firm.
The victory propelled Oman to the top of Group A with four points, while Qatar remained on just one point, facing an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals.
Later, hosts Kuwait defeated the UAE 2-1 in another Group A encounter.
Prior to yesterday’s match, each team in the group had one point from their opening games. Kuwait held Oman 1-1 while Qatar played out a 1-1 draw with the UAE.
&uuid=(email))