Oman top group with third straight win

MUSCAT, MARCH 22

The Oman national beach soccer team claimed their third consecutive victory in the Asian Cup after thrashing Palestine 5-1 at Jamtim Arena in Pattaya, Thailand, on Tuesday. The match marked the third and final round of Group D competitions in the 2023 AFC Beach Soccer Cup.

The Red Warriors dominated the game and topped the group standings with nine full points from three matches. Kuwait took second place with four points, followed by Palestine with three points. Kyrgyzstan ended in last place with no points. The Omani and Kuwaiti teams qualified for the quarterfinals.

The Omani team scored 17 goals and conceded only two goals in the three matches, earning their well-deserved spot at the top of the group.

In the quarterfinals, Oman will face China, who were second in Group C, while Kuwait will compete against Japan, who topped Group C, on Thursday.

The Omani team entered the match with a squad consisting of goalkeeper Younis al Owaisi, Meshaal al Araimi, Khalid al Araimi, Yahya al Muraiki, and Abdullah al Souti.

The Omani team started the match with many attempts on the Palestinian goal but could not score. In the third minute of the first half, Palestinian goalkeeper Fadi Jaber surprised everyone by scoring the first goal. In the second half, the Omani team came back strong and scored their first goal in the 14th minute through striker Abdullah al Souti. The team quickly followed up by scoring the second goal in the 17th minute through Meshaal al Araimi via a corner kick taken by Khalid al Araimi. Munthir al Araimi scored the third goal in the 21st minute from a counter-attack. The fourth goal was scored by substitute Ahmed al Owaisi with a powerful shot from the middle of the pitch in the 22nd minute, while goalkeeper Younis al Owaisi scored the fifth and final goal in the 23rd minute.

TALIB POISED FOR QUARTERS

In a press interview after the match, Oman head coach Talib bin Hilal said that the players’ performance was good. He also congratulated the players on their outstanding performance and mentioned that the team continues to improve from game to game, this will give them a sense of reassurance.

Looking ahead to the quarterfinal match against China, Talib said that the match would not be easy as every team will strive to win and qualify. He added that the team is ready, injury-free, and will fight to reach the semifinals. Talib also highlighted the importance of the crowd and how their presence encourages players to have fun and play great matches.