Oman to face Bangladesh in AHF Cup semifinal
Published: 04:04 PM,Apr 24,2025 | EDITED : 08:04 PM,Apr 24,2025
Oman and Chinese Taipei players in action.
Muscat, April 24
The Oman national hockey team secured its place in the semifinals of the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Chinese Taipei. The match was held on Wednesday evening at the hockey stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking the conclusion of the group stage.
Chinese Taipei stunned the Omani side with an early goal in the first minute from a low drag-flick penalty corner by Tsung-Yu Hsieh. Oman responded with intense offensive pressure in search of an equaliser and nearly scored in the seventh minute through a penalty corner taken by Asama Barazahan, but the Taipei defence held firm.
Before the end of the first half, Chinese Taipei capitalised on a defensive lapse by Oman, with Tsung-Yu Hsieh scoring again with a powerful shot. However, Rashad al Fazari reduced the deficit for Oman just before half-time with a well-executed penalty corner.
OMAN DOMINATE
Oman entered the second half with renewed energy and quickly equalised through a surprise goal by Fahad al Lawati. The Reds continued to press, and Mohammed al Noufali nearly gave Oman the lead with a powerful shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 26th minute, Ammar al Shuaibi scored Oman’s third goal from a penalty corner, ending the third quarter with Oman leading 3-2.
Chinese Taipei came out strong in the fourth quarter, with Tsung-Yu Hsieh completing his hat-trick just two minutes in after a brilliant run through Oman's defence, levelling the score at 3-3.
Oman quickly responded, applying heavy pressure on Taipei’s defence. Ayman Mudit broke down the left flank and delivered a perfect pass to his team-mate Talal, who slotted home the fourth goal for Oman in the 39th minute. Both teams exchanged chances afterward, with Taipei awarded a penalty corner that was superbly saved by Omani goalkeeper Ibrahim al Farsi. Near the end of the third quarter, Oman missed a golden opportunity from a counter-attack as Ayman Mudit failed to convert.
The fourth quarter remained highly competitive. Tsung-Yu Hsieh scored his fourth goal in the 50th minute with an unstoppable strike, levelling the match at 4-4. The teams continued to trade attacks, with Huang Lin Yu missing a crucial penalty corner for Taipei in the 56th minute. Oman also wasted a key chance just two minutes before the final whistle, which blew with the score tied at 4-4.
Tsung-Yu Hsieh was named Player of the Match after scoring an impressive 'super hat-trick' that helped his team advance.
With this draw, Oman qualify to face Bangladesh, toppers of Group B, in the semifinal on Friday. In the other semifinal, Group A leaders Chinese Taipei will take on Group B second-placed Kazakhstan.
The Oman national hockey team secured its place in the semifinals of the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Chinese Taipei. The match was held on Wednesday evening at the hockey stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking the conclusion of the group stage.
Chinese Taipei stunned the Omani side with an early goal in the first minute from a low drag-flick penalty corner by Tsung-Yu Hsieh. Oman responded with intense offensive pressure in search of an equaliser and nearly scored in the seventh minute through a penalty corner taken by Asama Barazahan, but the Taipei defence held firm.
Before the end of the first half, Chinese Taipei capitalised on a defensive lapse by Oman, with Tsung-Yu Hsieh scoring again with a powerful shot. However, Rashad al Fazari reduced the deficit for Oman just before half-time with a well-executed penalty corner.
OMAN DOMINATE
Oman entered the second half with renewed energy and quickly equalised through a surprise goal by Fahad al Lawati. The Reds continued to press, and Mohammed al Noufali nearly gave Oman the lead with a powerful shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 26th minute, Ammar al Shuaibi scored Oman’s third goal from a penalty corner, ending the third quarter with Oman leading 3-2.
Chinese Taipei came out strong in the fourth quarter, with Tsung-Yu Hsieh completing his hat-trick just two minutes in after a brilliant run through Oman's defence, levelling the score at 3-3.
Oman quickly responded, applying heavy pressure on Taipei’s defence. Ayman Mudit broke down the left flank and delivered a perfect pass to his team-mate Talal, who slotted home the fourth goal for Oman in the 39th minute. Both teams exchanged chances afterward, with Taipei awarded a penalty corner that was superbly saved by Omani goalkeeper Ibrahim al Farsi. Near the end of the third quarter, Oman missed a golden opportunity from a counter-attack as Ayman Mudit failed to convert.
The fourth quarter remained highly competitive. Tsung-Yu Hsieh scored his fourth goal in the 50th minute with an unstoppable strike, levelling the match at 4-4. The teams continued to trade attacks, with Huang Lin Yu missing a crucial penalty corner for Taipei in the 56th minute. Oman also wasted a key chance just two minutes before the final whistle, which blew with the score tied at 4-4.
Tsung-Yu Hsieh was named Player of the Match after scoring an impressive 'super hat-trick' that helped his team advance.
With this draw, Oman qualify to face Bangladesh, toppers of Group B, in the semifinal on Friday. In the other semifinal, Group A leaders Chinese Taipei will take on Group B second-placed Kazakhstan.