Red card proves costly as Oman U17s lose to UAE

MUSCAT: Oman national under-17 football team suffered their second successive defeat at the Gulf Cup U17 Qatar 2026 after the United Arab Emirates came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Grand Hamad Stadium on Thursday evening.
Bashar al Shamsi gave the young Red Warriors a deserved first-half lead, but the contest changed dramatically shortly after the restart when Hassan al Balushi was sent off. The UAE capitalised almost immediately, scoring twice in quick succession before Oman missed a late penalty that could have earned them a point.
The defeat leaves Oman without a point after two matches, having also lost their opener 2-1 to China. China lead Group A with seven points following their 3-3 draw with Bahrain, while the UAE moved into second with six. Bahrain have four points, with Oman fourth ahead of hosts Qatar on goal difference.
Oman made a lively start against the UAE and almost opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Al Shamsi’s powerful effort was deflected behind.
The UAE gradually began to create chances and had a goal by Mahmoud Badr ruled out for offside in the 26th minute, but Oman remained dangerous on the counter.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 36th minute when Al Shamsi collected the ball on the left, drove towards goal and finished confidently to put Oman 1-0 ahead.
Ahmed bin Salem Bait Said’s side protected their advantage until half-time, but the momentum shifted soon after the break.
Al Balushi was shown a red card after bringing down a UAE player close to the penalty area, reducing Oman to 10 men. Butti al Junaibi converted the resulting free-kick in the 51st minute to level the score.
Only two minutes later, Ali al Balushi completed the turnaround by scoring the UAE’s second as Oman struggled to reorganise following the dismissal.
PENALTY MISS
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Oman continued to push forward. Jassim al Dawood went close in the 68th minute, while Al Shamsi narrowly missed the target after a fine individual move in the 81st.
Goalkeeper Abdullah al Zaabi also produced several saves to keep Oman within touching distance.
A final opportunity arrived deep into six minutes of stoppage time when Oman were awarded a penalty, but Abdulrahman al Hashmi failed to convert as the UAE held on to the three points.
Oman will now turn their attention to Sunday’s encounter against hosts Qatar at Grand Hamad Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6:45 pm (Oman time).
The match offers Oman U17s an opportunity to register their first points of the tournament before completing their Group A campaign against Bahrain on October 28.