Oman Win Gulf Cup Lottery

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Oman reached the Khaleeji 27 semi-finals in extraordinary circumstances on Tuesday, beating Kuwait 3-1 before edging Iraq in the drawing of lots after the two Gulf sides finished completely level in Group A.

Nasser Al Rawahi struck twice as the Omanis came from behind at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, while Saudi Arabia’s simultaneous 2-0 victory over Iraq left Tarik Sektioui’s men and the Iraqis on four points.

The Blues had threatened to end their opponents’ campaign when Shabaib Al Khaldi opened the scoring after just six minutes, converting Mohammed Daham’s cross at the near post with an acrobatic finish.

Oman had to wait until the 65th minute for their response. Jameel Al Yahmadi drove down the right and sent a low ball across the area, with Al Rawahi getting the slightest of touches as it evaded everyone and found the far corner.

Al Rawahi struck again in the 81st minute. Substitute Zahir Al Aghbari burst through midfield before slipping a clever pass into the right side of the box, where the winger fired low past goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Fadhli.

Defender Musab Al Shaqsy made it 3-1 three minutes later, heading home a free-kick from near the right byline.

But his celebration provided a remarkable final twist. Al Shaqsy removed his shirt and was booked, taking Oman to eight yellow cards for the tournament, level with Iraq.

The two sides were also level on points, head-to-head record, goal difference, goals scored and red cards, leaving nothing to separate them under the tournament’s tie-break criteria.

Lots were therefore drawn in Jeddah, with the Omanis emerging with the semi-final place and Iraq eliminated.

Hosts Saudi Arabia topped Group A with a perfect nine points from three matches, while Portuguese coach Helio Sousa and the Kuwaitis ended their campaign without a point.