Oman earn dramatic comeback win over Kyrgyzstan

MUSCAT: Oman’s national football team delivered top show at Jar Stadium in Tashkent, as they battled from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their second Group A match of the Central Asian Football Association (Cafa) Nations Cup. Essam al Subhi emerged as the star of the match, scoring twice in the stoppage time to overturn a first-half deficit and keep Oman firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage.

The game started with both sides eager to stamp their authority early on. Oman, guided by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, showed composure and tactical discipline, but it was Kyrgyzstan who found the breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Kozobayef pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area, slotting it past goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini to give his team the advantage. Despite Oman’s attempts through Jameel al Yahmadi and Mohammed al Ghafri, the Kyrgyz defense stood resilient, and the first half closed with Kyrgyzstan ahead 1-0.

Essam al Subhi emerged as the star of the match, scoring twice in the stoppage time.

As the second half unfolded, Oman pressed harder in search of the equaliser. Coach Queiroz made few substitutions as Mohsin al Ghassani, Salah al Yahyaei, Ahmed al Khamisi and Fayez al Rushaidi entered the match. Midfielders Abdullah Fawaz and Nasser al Rawahi dictated the tempo, while Musab al Maamari and Ahed al Mashakheyi worked tirelessly to build attacking momentum.

In the dying minutes, a perfectly delivered cross from Abdullah Fawaz found Essam al Subhi, who powered a header past the Kyrgyz goalkeeper to bring Oman level. Just five minutes later, deep into stoppage time, substitute Mohsin al Ghassani whipped in another inch-perfect cross, and once again it was Essam al Subhi who rose highest, sending his header into the net for the winning goal.

The remarkable turnaround secured Oman three crucial points and lifted them to four points in the group standings, following their 1-1 draw against hosts Uzbekistan in the opening match.

The win put Oman in a strong position ahead of their final group match against Turkmenistan on Friday. The hosts Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan played late on Tuesday. The tournament third-place playoff and championship final are scheduled on next Monday.