Oman earn third straight win in AHF Cup thriller

MUSCAT, APRIL 23

The Oman national hockey team extended its winning streak in the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup by defeating Uzbekistan 4-2 in a group stage match held on Tuesday at the hockey stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Uzbekistan began the match with an aggressive approach, putting early pressure on Oman’s defence and forcing the Reds into several defensive errors. The pressure paid off in the fifth minute when Gaybullo Khaytboev converted a penalty corner to give Uzbekistan an early lead.

Following the goal, Oman gradually found their rhythm and began pressing forward. The team earned its first penalty corner, taken by Asama Barazahan, but Uzbekistan's defence held strong. Oman continued to mount pressure, and in the final moments of the first half, Barazahan successfully converted another penalty corner to level the score. Just before the whistle, Shafi al Shatari stunned the crowd with a well-organised play that led to Oman’s second goal, closing the first half with a 2-1 lead.

Uzbekistan came out in the second half determined to equalise, with their most notable chance coming from a powerful shot by Jonibek Oblokulov that narrowly missed the post. Oman responded with a dangerous attempt by Rashad al Fazari and missed a penalty corner in the 25th minute. Uzbekistan also squandered a similar chance through Khakimboy Khakimov.

In the final minutes of the quarter, Ammar al Shuaibi missed another penalty corner, leaving the score at 2-1 in favour of Oman. In the third quarter, Oman asserted control over the match as Rashad al Fazari extended the lead with a penalty corner goal in the 34th minute. However, Khaytboev pulled one back for Uzbekistan with another penalty corner in the 38th minute, ending the third quarter at 3-2 for Oman.

During the final quarter, Oman continued their offensive pressure and earned yet another penalty corner, which Al Fazari converted for his second goal of the match, sealing the 4-2 victory. Despite Uzbekistan’s persistent efforts to narrow the gap, Oman’s defence held firm until the final whistle. Rashad al Fazari was named Man of the Match for his standout performance and two crucial goals.