MUSCAT, Sept 8
The Oman Under-20 football team's hopes to qualify for the final of the U20 Gulf Cup ended after the semifinal defeat against Yemen 2-0 late on Sunday night at Prince Sultan Sports City Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Oman played with 10 players from 19th minute after Mohammed al Mashaykhi received his second yellow card.
In the other semifinal, Saudi Arabia claimed a spot in the final as they managed to earn a 2-1 victory over Iraq to set up a clash against Yemen in the final. The tournament, which is held under the umbrella of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), will conclude on Wednesday.
Oman’s campaign in the Gulf event began with a 2-0 win over Egypt 2-0. Then, the team suffered a 4-2 loss against Bahrain while they ended their group matches with a 1-0 triumph against Iraq to lead Group A.
Against Yemen, Oman players began with a spirited opening effort but they could not overcome Yemen’s tight defence and beat the opponent goalkeeper. However, disciplinary setbacks affected the flow of the game.
Oman’s Mohammed al Mashaykhi received an early yellow card for a hard tackle, followed by another yellow in the 19th minute reducing the squad’s composure. Tensions escalated for Oman while Yemen took cashed on the player advantage in the remaining part of the match. Oman’s goalie Momen al Souli saved a penalty taken by Yemen’s Adil Abbas in the 23rd minute to keep the result at goalless draw.
A precise strike from Mohammed al Burwani in the 44th minute put Yemen ahead. A penalty was awarded in the injury time for Oman but Ahmed al Omrani’s kick was brilliantly saved by Yemen’s goalkeeper Yaman al Nuaibi.
In the following half, Oman players pressed hard but they could not penetrate the opponent’s defence while Yemen doubled their lead in the dying minute by Zaid al Jarash to seal a crucial 2-0 win and secure slot in the final.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
