Muscat: Oman kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Palestine on Monday evening, securing their place in the upcoming playoff round.
The Group B qualifier, filled with intensity and tension, saw Palestine take the lead in the 49th minute through Oday Kharoub. The midfielder capitalized on a defensive lapse, curling a low shot past the Omani keeper to ignite celebrations in the Palestinian camp.
Despite the setback and playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men following a red card to midfielder Harib al Saadi in the 73rd minute, Oman held their nerve. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when striker Issam al Sabhi was brought down inside the penalty box. Al Sabhi, stepped up and confidently buried the spot kick in the 90+7th minute — a goal that not only levelled the score but also booked Oman’s ticket to the playoff stage.
Oman dominated the match in terms of possession (60%) and completed 463 passes with 82% accuracy. While Palestine registered more total shots (13 to Oman’s 10), the Omani defense proved more efficient, with 12 successful tackles and fewer fouls committed (4).
Statistically, the draw reflected Oman’s disciplined strategy and tactical patience. Substitutions made late in the game — including the introductions of midfielders Ahmed Fawaz and Zahir al Aghbari — brought renewed energy to a side under pressure.
This result places Oman fourth in Group B with 11 points, narrowly ahead of Palestine who finish on fifth. South Korea and Jordan claimed the top two spots to secure automatic qualification. Oman’s next challenge lies in a decisive playoff fixture that could send them to the World Cup for the first time since 2022 qualification efforts fell short.
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