Oman rally to edge Libya in Arab beach soccer opener

MUSCAT, NOV 5
Oman recovered from conceding in the opening minute to defeat Libya 3-2 at the Porto Said Beach Soccer Stadium in Egypt on Thursday, making a winning start to their Arab Beach Soccer Cup campaign.
Sami al Balushi, Abdullah al Souti and Fahad al Mashaikhi scored for Oman, who built a 3-1 advantage before withstanding a spirited Libyan response in the final period to secure three points in Group B.
Coach Talib Hilal’s side will face Lebanon on Friday, November 6, at 4:15 pm, before completing their group fixtures against Morocco on Saturday at 3:30 pm. Both kick-off times are Oman time.
Libya made an immediate breakthrough when Suleiman Saleh Nouri collected a long ball, broke clear and finished in the opening minute.
Oman gradually worked their way into the contest, with captain Khalid al Oraimi threatening from a free-kick and an overhead attempt. Goalkeeper Majid al Afari also tested his opposite number with a powerful long-range effort that was turned behind for a corner.
The pressure eventually brought an equaliser late in the first period. Al Balushi reacted quickest after the Libyan goalkeeper parried Al Oraimi’s free-kick, converting the rebound to make it 1-1. He almost struck again with an overhead kick, but the goalkeeper produced a fine save to keep the teams level at the first interval.
Oman moved ahead inside the opening minute of the second period when Al Souti met a throw-in with a well-directed header.
Further chances followed, with Al Balushi denied from another free-kick and goalkeeper Younis al Owaisi also testing the Libyan defence with a shot.
Al Mashaikhi then extended the advantage eight minutes into the period, finishing on the volley after Al Souti supplied a headed pass. Oman carried their 3-1 lead into the final period.
AL OWAISI SHINES
Al Owaisi nearly added another goal, striking the post with one of two threatening efforts, before Libya reduced the deficit four minutes into the period. Walid Mohammed Ali capitalised on a goalkeeping error to bring his side back into contention.
Libya pressed for an equaliser, but Al Owaisi responded with several important saves as Oman protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
Oman, runners-up in the previous edition, share Group B with Morocco, Lebanon and Libya. Hosts and defending champions Egypt are alongside Saudi Arabia, Mauritania and Iraq in Group A. The eight-team tournament is scheduled to conclude on November 9, according to the Union of Arab Football Associations’ latest announcement.