By Haridev Pushparaj — MUSCAT: Jan 24 - A supremely dominant Oman team outplayed Mali 5-0 to enter the semifinals of the 2nd CISM World Cup football championship on a nippy evening at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday. Mohammed Ahmed Teqi (36th, 89th) struck a brace, while goals from Mohsen Jawhar al Khawaldi (5th), Saad Suhail (17th) and Jumah Sarweesh al Mashari (86th) ensured the big rout for the hosts.
Oman begin swiftly as Mohsen Jawhar struck off a corner kick in the fifth minute of the game. The hosts were in an assertive mood thereon with Jameel Darwees al Yahmadi and Saad Suhail in fine fettle upfront. Leading 1-0, Oman were applying tremendous pressure on Mali.
Saad created some good moves initially and troubled the Mali defence. Saud al Farsi was penetrating the Mali defence through the right wing as well with the first 12 minutes of the game being very active.
Oman compounded the misery of Mali with a second goal in the 17th minute when Saad slotted home a through ball from Mohammed Ahmed Teqi.
The Mali defence was in tatters as Omani strikers and midfielders toyed with them relentlessly with the likes of Jameel Darwees, Saad and Teqi pursuing them.
For Mali, Moussa Diallo and Mamadou Mouniraga tried to engineer a move or two but none of their ideas worked as the Sultanate defence stood strong.
Oman kept Mali constantly on check as wingers on both flanks were incisive closing in on the Mali goal regularly. Jumah Sarweesh al Mashari got into the act with some threatening moves in the 30th minute.
Mali’s frustration was telling on their players with Amadou Diallo receiving a yellow card for a foul on Saad in the 34th minute.
It was triple joy for Oman in the 36th minute when Teqi tapped in a pass from Saad as the ‘Red Brigade’ went up 3-0.
Desperate Mali made a substitution in the 40th minute as Boubacar Dembele made way for Amadou Haidara and Salif Diakite got a yellow for a reckless tackle.
Oman had their nose in front at half-time leading 3-0.
When proceedings resumed, Mali wanted to make amends and Oman were looking at further consolidation.
Oman had all the cards with them as Jumah Sarweesh al Mashari had the first shot on goal in the second half in the 52nd minute.
Saad kept poking at the Mali defence and a long cross after a pacy run down the right wing created an opportunity in the 60th minute.
Another chance went abegging for Oman as Teqi failed to latch onto a pass from Saad in the 63rd minute.
Oman made a change in the 71st minute as Basil Abdullah al Rawahi came in for Mohammad Abdullah al Balushi.
With 15 minutes to go, both teams were struggling to score as the ball travelled from one half to another.
A golden opportunity was squandered by Saad in the 83rd minute when Jumah Sarwesh al Mashari relayed a long ball and the former failed to make a simple tap-in.
The second-half deadlock was broken by Al Mashari when he made it 4-0 in the 86th minute after a close range shot that beat Mali goalkeeper Moussa Diara.
Teqi then scored his second goal and completed a 5-0 demolition when he netted in the 89th minute as celebrations began amongst the supporters.
QATAR EDGE BAHRAIN ON PENALTIES TO ENTER LAST-FOUR STAGE
Qatar players celebrate after beating Bahrain on penalties at the Seeb Sports Stadium. Qatar edged Bahrain on penalties 4-2 to enter the semifinals of the second CISM World Cup football championship on Tuesday. Both the teams ended goalless in regulation time and extra time. PHOTO BY Faisal al Balushi
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