MUSCAT: Jordan substitute Waseem Wasef Alriyalat’s goal in the dying minutes spoiled Oman Olympic (under 23) football team’s chances in securing a direct spot at AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 Qualifiers after they suffered a 1-0 loss late on Saturday in Amman city.
A solitary goal turned out to be enough for Jordanian side to inch closer to the finals in Doha city, Qatar during April 15 and May 3, 2024.
Oman, coached by national coach Akram Habreesh, began the match with a similar starting list like the previous match.
Despite pressure from the hosts, Oman strikers created goal-scoring chances. Abdulmajeed al Balushi missed a scoring attempt in the 20th minute as he sent a strong ball towards the opponents net but was saved by their goalkeeper.
The opponents were the better side in the first half as they pressed hard and were seeking for an opening goal. Jordan’s Ameen al Shnianh was the active player from the opponents’ side as he created panic inside the Oman box. The first half ended goalless.
In the following half, Jordan’s players entered the match with more focus and were eying on breaking the deadlock. After several substitutions, the hosts confirmed pocketing valuable three points with substitute Waseem Wasef Alriyalat's goal with three minutes remaining for the final whistle.
In the additional time, the referee showed the second yellow card for Oman’s Khalid al Ghafri as they played with 10 men till the end of the game. The only goal was enough for Jordan to capture vital three points.
Oman team entered the match with high hopes like Jordan team as both teams ended the opening round on a victory note with Oman registering a 2-0 triumph over Syria while the hosts Jordan thrashed Brunei Darussalam by nine goals.
SYRIA REVIVE HOPES
On the other hand, Syria revived their hopes to move into the second round by registering a large 11-0 win over Brunei Darussalam on Saturday. Oman will meet Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday while Jordan and Syria will be in a tight clash for deciding the group topper.
Oman chances are based on the other team’s results in the concluding round to secure a slot to the finals among the 11 group toppers and four best second placed teams who will secure their place in the Asian finals in Doha. Syria’s win against Jordan by one or two goals maximum with a victory for Oman against Brunei Darussalam will progress Oman to the Asian finals.
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