Oman to meet India in Third-Place playoff at CAFA Nations Cup

MUSCAT: The Oman national football team will take on India for the third-place playoff in the ongoing CAFA Nations Cup 2025, after sealing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan in their final group stage match on Saturday. The match will take place on Monday in Tajikistan at central stadium while the final match will be between Uzbekistan and Iran at Olympic Stadium in Tashkent city.

The Red Warriors decisive win against Turkmenistan came in dramatic fashion. Oman took the lead in the 12th minute through Essam al Subhi, who struck with precision to put his side ahead. Turkmenistan responded strongly and found the equaliser, but Oman refused to give in. Deep into stoppage time, Mohsin al Ghassani delivered the winning goal in the 93rd minute, to confirm the victory for Red Warriors.

The result ensured Oman concluded their Group A campaign with seven points, having earlier played out a 1-1 draw with hosts Uzbekistan and claimed another late 2-1 comeback win against Kyrgyzstan. Despite their impressive tally, Oman finished as group runners-up due to goal difference, with Uzbekistan topping the group after defeating Kyrgyzstan 4-0.

Under tournament regulations, the group winners advance to the final, while the second-placed teams contest the playoff for third and fourth place. With Iran leading Group B with seven points and India securing second place on four points, Oman will now meet India in what promises to be a competitive battle for the bronze medal.

Oman concluded their Group A campaign with seven points, having earlier played out a 1-1 draw with hosts Uzbekistan and claimed another late 2-1 comeback win against Kyrgyzstan

Speaking after the match in social media, Oman’s head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed both pride in his team’s fighting spirit and concern over missed opportunities.

“Another late and dramatic win at the end. Congratulations to the players, it was the third game, the pitch was bad, and it was too hot. Once again, it was a one-sided game with Oman controlling and attacking. However, our performance must be better and we have to score. Our finishing was poor. Once again, we created many opportunities but did not take advantage of them. We are looking for trouble if we do not start taking our chances. Congratulations to the players and let’s learn from our mistakes and move forward.” Queiroz said

The CAFA Nations Cup, co-hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has provided Oman with valuable match experience ahead of upcoming AFC Asian decisive qualifiers- Road to 26. The clash against India will offer another opportunity for the squad to test their depth and sharpen their attacking edge ahead of UAE and Qatar matches in the Asian qualifiers in coming October.