Oman target for third straight win against Bahrain

MUSCAT, MARCH 24

Oman will aim for their third straight win to secure topper of Group D as they will take on Bahrain in the concluding match of group stage at the underway AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025. The match will take place at the Jomtien Beach Arena. In another match from same group, Malaysia will face Vietnam at the same venue.

Coach Talib Hilal’s men confirmed their spot in the quarterfinals following their essential 6-3 win over Malaysia on Sunday. The victory took the team to six points and ensured their presence in the knockout stage. Oman thumped Vietnam 7-1 in the opening match.

Abdullah al Souti opened the scoring for Oman in the opening minutes of the first period, taking advantage of the opponent's mistakes in the back line. Mashal al Oraimi raised the lead to 2-0 at the end of the opening period.

In the beginning of the second period, the Malaysian side pressed hard as they managed to score two goals through Muhamad Hafizal, who sent a driving a low shot past Younis al Owaisi to narrow the deficit and then Muhammad Quishairie pounced on a loose ball to register the equaliser.

Musallam al Araimi found the target before the end of the second period as he put Oman back in 3-2 lead. In the third and concluding period of the match, Yahya al Murkhi cushioned the lead of Oman to 5-2 as he netted two goals including a shot that took a heavy deflection and wrong-footed Syujakand another goal through slamming a low shot into the back of the net. Hafizal reduced the scoring gap for Malaysia as he scored the third goal for his team to make it 5-3. Mundher al Oraimi confirmed the victory for Oman as he netted the sixth goal in the dying minute to end it at 6-3.

MEETING EXPECTATIONS

The star of the match, Yahya al Murkhi, told AFC that he is fully aware of the expectations back home and that is spurring Oman at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025.

“We achieved the most important goal by securing full marks from two consecutive rounds, despite the challenges we faced against the Malaysian team, who delivered a strong performance,” said Al Muraiki, who scored twice in the third period to clinch the victory after Malaysia fought back after going 2-0 down.

“We have great ambitions — first, to qualify for the World Cup Finals, and then to win the championship title with this team, which is a mix of experienced and young players."

"Reaching the World Cup Finals five times previously doubles the responsibility on our shoulders. We must live up to the expectations of the Omani fans and continue securing victories in the tournament to go as far as possible, strengthening Oman’s reputation and status in this sport," he concluded.