Muscat: The Red Warriors displayed remarkable heroism on the field, overcoming significant challenges to achieve a thrilling 2-1 victory against a strong Saudi Arabia in the semi-final of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Tuesday.
Despite being reduced to ten players for over an hour, Oman emerged victorious at the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium in Sulaibikhat, Kuwait, marking their second consecutive appearance in the final.
Under the leadership of Rasheed Jaber, the team provided Omani supporters with a perfect New Year’s celebration, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline, and an indomitable fighting spirit.
This victory positions Oman for the final on January 4, where they will compete against either Bahrain or the host nation, Kuwait, who were scheduled to play later that evening.
The match commenced with Saudi Arabia establishing early control, launching a series of attacks right from the start.
Oman’s captain and goalkeeper, Faiz Al Rusheidi, demonstrated his skill and poise, making a vital save in the third minute to prevent Saudi Arabia from taking an early advantage. The Red Warriors took some time to find their rhythm, enduring Saudi Arabia’s initial pressure while seeking opportunities for counter-attacks.
The Saudis nearly found the back of the net again in the 25th minute, but Marwan Al Sahafi squandered a prime opportunity, granting Oman a moment of relief.
Tension escalated in the 34th minute when Al Mandhar Al Alawi, a crucial player in Oman’s offensive strategy, received a straight red card from Turkish referee Khalil Umut.
This ejection, resulting from an ankle tackle on Salem Al Dawsari, left Oman short-handed and under significant strain. The contentious ruling prompted strong objections from the Omani squad, yet the referee remained resolute.
Despite being a player down, Oman displayed impressive poise. Al Rusheidi, in particular, was instrumental, making several exceptional saves to thwart the Saudi attacks. The first half concluded without any goals, as Saudi Arabia failed to take advantage of their numerical superiority.
The second half featured a revitalized Oman team, eager to challenge the odds. The turning point arrived in the 74th minute when Arshad Al Alawi delivered a spectacular free-kick. Positioned just outside the penalty area, Al Alawi struck the ball with force, penetrating the Saudi defensive wall and eluding goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Omani supporters.
Oman capitalized on their momentum and advanced aggressively. In the 84th minute, Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri executed a perfectly timed pass to Ali Al Busaidi, who calmly placed the ball into the net, extending Oman’s lead.
Saudi Arabia, however, was determined to fight back. In the 87th minute, Mohammed Kanno scored for the Saudis, rekindling their hopes for a comeback.
The match's intensity heightened during the nine minutes of injury time, which was later extended by an additional five minutes. Oman’s defense, anchored by the exceptional Al Rusheidi, withstood the relentless pressure from Saudi Arabia, ultimately securing a memorable victory.
This win marks Oman’s sixth appearance in the Gulf Cup final, as the team now sets its sights on claiming their third title.
For coach Rasheed Jaber, this victory showcased the team’s resilience and their ability to perform under pressure. The final on January 4 presents the Red Warriors with an opportunity for redemption following their disappointment in the last edition, where they lost to Iraq.
Tuesday’s victory also underscored Oman’s tactical flexibility. Playing with ten men for over an hour necessitated a strategic shift, emphasizing a compact defense and quick counterattacks. Jaber’s capacity to motivate his players and implement tactical changes in difficult situations was crucial to Oman’s success.
For the supporters, this win transcended a mere football match; it represented a celebration of national pride and unity. The scenes of joy in the crowded stadium and throughout Oman reflected the collective happiness of a nation that has steadfastly backed its team.
This outstanding semi-final performance will be remembered as one of Oman’s greatest moments in Gulf Cup history. With the final approaching, the Red Warriors aim to conclude their journey with the ultimate accolade, securing their place in football history.
The victory certainly added a festive touch to Oman’s celebrations, marking a fitting conclusion to 2024 and ushering in 2025.
