MUSCAT, AUG 29
The Oman Under-20 national football team made a perfect start to its campaign in the inaugural edition of the U20 Gulf Cup, defeating Egypt 2-0 in the opening match on Friday at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. The tournament which is held under the umbrella of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), will run until September 10.
Oman were quick to show their intent as they applied pressure from the first whistle. In the eighth minute, Hussam al Naabi put Oman ahead as he converted a precise pass from Fahad al Mashaykhi to score the opener. The advantage was soon doubled in the 25th minute when the referee, Mohammed Sharif, awarded Oman a penalty following Ahmed al Omrani confidently dispatched to make it 2-0. The second half saw Egypt pressing hard in search of a comeback, but Oman’s defensive line, backed by goalkeeper Momen al Souli, held firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points.
Assistant head coach Mansoor al Jabri began the match with a strong starting line-up for the match, featuring: Momen Al Souli as a goalkeeper, Fahad al Mashaykhi, Mohammed al Mashaykhi, Hussam al Naabi, Ahmed al Omrani, Mohammed Ghanim, Fahad Bait Rabee, Ali al Alawi, Osama al Maamari, Ibrahim al Shamsi and Al Hassan al Qasmi.
With this victory, Oman lead the Group B table awaiting the other fixture which took place late on Friday between Bahrain and Iraq.
Oman will next face Bahrain on Monday before concluding their group stage against Iraq on Thursday.
In Group A action, hosts Saudi Arabia secured a narrow 1-0 win over Yemen in their opener, while Qatar and Kuwait shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Oman, an 11-time AFC U20 Asian Cup participant, will look to build on their strong start as they aim to progress deep into this prestigious regional competition.
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