MUSCAT: Oman’s representative Al Nahda claimed a stunning victory as they registered a perfect comeback to earn a 2-1 win over Syria’s Al Futuwa in a Group A match of the AFC Cup 2023-24 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex late on Monday. The triumph meant that Al Buraimi-based team topped the group standings with six points.
The other match in the group between Jabal Al Mukabbar and Al Ahed was postponed due to the current status in Palestine.
It was a strong start from both teams as they were seeking for an early goal. The initial home attempt was created by Issam al Subhi while Syria’s Thaer Krouma’s early effort narrowly missed the target. The visitors Al Futuwa managed to break the deadlock as Subhi Shoufan netted the goal in style after a perfect cross from Thaer Krouma in the 22nd minute.
Following the opening goal in the match, Oman’s national team and Al Nahda’s star Salah al Yahyaei managed to score the equaliser just seven minutes from the rivals goal in the 29th minute. Salah was very close to double the score after a super through-pass from Ahmed al Kaabi but Al Futuwa’s goalkeeper Mosa made a good save. The first half ended at a 1-1 draw.
With the commencement of the deciding half, both teams entered the pitch with refreshed technical instructions from their coaching staff. The visitors began the half with similar scenario as they pressed hard to take the lead once again. Al Nahda’s goalie Ibrahim al Mukhaini did a perfect save as he prevented the Syrian team's second goal when he saved a header by Krouma in the 53rd minute.
ACTIVE PLAYER
Issam al Subhi continued showing his top performance during the second-half as he was looking for more scoring solutions to put his team in the lead for first time. With 10 minutes to end the match, Harib al Saadi, Oman national team and Al Nahda midfielder, sent a strong ball from free kick to score a crucial goal and deliver thrilling win for his team. The dying minutes of the encounter did not change the result as the match ended in favour of Al Nahda at 2-1.
The forthcoming match of Al Nahda will be against Syria’s Al Futuwa in Saudi Arabia on November 6 while they will meet Lebanon’s Al Ahed on November 27 and then Palestine’s Jabal Al Mukabbar on December 12.
Post the match, Al Nahda head coach Hamed al Azani said he was happy with the crucial victory. “Despite the challenges the team managed to capture thrilling three points and thanks to the players for their outstanding performance. The players were very exhausted as they played series of matches within a short period. The focus now is on the coming matches at the domestic level and then we will prepare for the forthcoming games in AFC Cup," he added.
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