FOOTBALL – OMAN were on target twice in the last quarter-hour of regular time in their 2-1 semi-final victory over Saudi Arabia last night to book their berth in the final of the 26th Gulf Cup.
Arshad Al Alawi and Ali Al Busaidi were the goal-scorers for the Omanis in their win. Al Alawi put his team ahead in the 74th minute and then Al Busaidi doubled their lead in the 85th.
Oman were then able to hold on until the final whistle after Saudi cut the deficit with a Mohamed Kanno goal in the 87th minute.
The Omanis booked their return tickets to the title-decider with the result. They were the losing finalists in the 2023 edition of the Gulf Cup, held in Iraq, when they lost to the hosts 2-3 after extra-time.
Al Alawi opened Oman’s account with a stunning free-kick from several yards outside the penalty area. He hit a low effort that took a slight deflection off the feet of Saudi’s Musab Fahz Aljuwayr and bounced on the pitch before going into the net.
Al Busaidi then made it 2-0 from close range off a brilliant assist from Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri.
Following a throw-in, Al Mushaifri battled his way into the box and delivered a perfect pass with a single touch to Al Busaidi, who sent the ball home with his left foot.
Saudi were given some hope after Kanno scored with a fine effort from outside the area off a short pass from substitute Mohammed Al Qahtani, but the Saudis could not find an equaliser over the remainder of the contest.
Al Alawi was later named the Player of the Match and he received a trophy for his performance.
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