Oman fall 2–0 to UAE in U23 Gulf Cup opener

Muscat, Dec 5
Oman's Olympic team could not turn their strong performance into a positive result, falling 2–0 to the United Arab Emirates in the opening match of their campaign at the Under-23 Gulf Cup. The match took place at Aspire Zone Stadium in Doha, Qatar, as part of Group B action.
Despite showing clear superiority during several stretches of the game, especially in the second half, individual errors and a red card late in the first half put the Reds under early pressure, forcing them to play the entire second half a man down.
The UAE began the encounter with high intensity in the opening minutes, before Oman gradually managed to absorb the pressure and impose their presence through wing play and set pieces, with Saeed al Ghanbousi standing out for his accurate deliveries. However, early mistakes by goalkeeper Ibrahim al Kindi nearly gifted the UAE two quick goals, had it not been for poor finishing from their attack.
The match remained tightly contested until the 30th minute, when the referee awarded a penalty to the UAE after Mansour al Menhali was fouled inside the box. Al Menhali stepped up to convert the spot-kick himself, giving his team the lead. The goal gave Oman a spark, pushing them forward in search of an equaliser, with Masoud al Bahri forcing an excellent save from the Emirati goalkeeper.

Tension rose in the closing minutes of the first half. Oman appealed for a penalty after a suspected handball inside the area, but the referee waved play on. Moments later, Fahd al Mukhaini was shown a straight red card for dissent, leaving Oman a goal down and a player short at half-time.
Coach Badr al Maimani’s men came out in the second half with renewed energy, making two attacking substitutions as Muhannad and Ghazi al Saadi entered the fray. Muhannad almost levelled the score immediately with a dangerous header, followed by more promising opportunities, including a low strike from Yousuf al Shibaibi in the 57th minute, but again the UAE goalkeeper denied Oman.
Oman’s attacking dominance was undermined by rushed finishing, before the UAE struck again in the 69th minute. A second penalty was awarded after Ahmed al Shammari was fouled in the box and Ali al Maamari converted to make it 2–0, putting the match firmly out of reach. Oman pushed forward through Al Ghanbousi’s crosses and Muhannad al Saadi’s runs, but the numerical advantage allowed the UAE to manage the remainder of the match comfortably until the final whistle.
Oman will face Iraq on Sunday in a decisive clash that will shape their fate in the group. Coach Al Maimani will look to address defensive errors and improve focus inside the penalty area, while building on the promising attacking moments that emerged despite the defeat. Although the start was disappointing, Oman still hold a chance as long as the team produces a strong reaction and rediscovers its competitive spirit in this important encounter.