Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

OMAN BACK ON TRACK WITH WIN

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BISHEK: Oman rebounded from an opening day defeat to beat Kyrgyz Republic 3-0, while Bahrain got off to a roaring start with a 4-0 win over Nepal in AFC U-19 Championship 2018 Qualifiers Group A matches at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on Thursday.


Rasheed Jabar al Yafai, Oman head coach, told AFC website: “It was a tough game. We knew that Kyrgyz Republic are very well-organised and that they were going to pressure us. Luckily, we scored the first goal despite the pressure. I am happy because we won our second game after losing the first one. It has returned our confidence and we must forget about this game and prepare for the next one.”


The first 20 minutes between Oman and Kyrgyz Republic were an even affair with neither side creating any clear chances, with the only notable action being Kyrgyz Republic midfielder Zhenishbek Sydykov receiving a yellow card, which rules him out of the next tie against Bahrain on Saturday.


The home team had a chance to take the lead in the 33rd minute as Nikolaya Yuzhanina launched a counterattack but Gulzhigit Borubaev’s shot hit the woodwork before being collected by the Oman goalkeeper.


Oman’s fortunes changed two minutes into the second half as Ali al Habsi latched on to a pass into the penalty box before rifling his shot home.


Stung, Kyrgyz Republic surged forward in search of the equaliser but Oman’s defence held firm and a counter attack in the 71st minute saw them doubling their advantage.


Arshad Said al Alawi was their goalscorer on this occasion but Oman were not done yet as substitute Mohammed Obaid al Qaidi wrapped proceedings with their third in the 82nd minute.


Oman play Bahrain in their next match on November 6.


Nikolai Iuzhanin, Kyrgyz Republic head coach, said: “I think it was a very interesting game and unexpected at the same time. I would like to thank the team and apologise to the fans. The game will be forgotten but the score will remain. I just discussed the game with my colleagues and we think the team should not be upset by the fact that they did not score a goal.


The mistakes are peculiar to this age. We will work on our mistakes.”


BAHRAIN MAKE STRONG START


Bahrain were handed a perfect start as they took the lead in the 20th minute through Ali Hasan Meftah and from there on, controlled proceedings.


However, despite their dominance, a second goal was not forthcoming in the remainder of the first half.


In fact, Bahrain had to wait till the 67th minute before widening their lead, with striker Meftah again the provider.


Their third was scored by Ebrahim Alkhatal in the 86th minute, which was followed shortly after by a red card for Nepal’s Dinesh Henjan.


Bahrain then sealed proceedings with Sayed Mohamed Ameen Husain scoring their fourth.


They play Kyrgyz Republic next on Saturday while Nepal, who suffered their second consecutive defeat, face the United Arab Emirates.


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