MUSCAT, SEPT 8
The Oman national football team concluded their campaign at the Cafa Nations Cup 2025 with a narrow defeat to India in the third-place playoff, losing 3-2 on penalties after a tightly contested 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Central Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Despite a spirited performance and several attacking moments, the Red Warriors were edged out in the decisive shoot-out as they ended their promising tournament run.
Oman took control of the game in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Veteran defender Ali al Busaidy delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, which found midfielder Abdullah Fawaz. His touch redirected the ball to Jameel al Yahmadi, who showed composure to slot the ball past the Indian goalkeeper, handing Oman a deserved 1-0 lead.
India, however, refused to surrender and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when winger Udanta Singh rose above the defence to meet a well-placed cross, sending a powerful header into the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. Both teams fought hard in the closing stages, but neither side was able to find a winner in both the halves. In the first additional half, Oman’s Ali al Busaidy received a red card as Red Warriors played with less than one man until the second additional time. The result remained same at 1-1 draw as both teams went to the penalties.
In the penalty shoot-out, India scored three of their spot-kicks, while Oman saw two of their efforts saved by the Indian goalkeeper. The shoot-out ended 3-2 in favour of India, sealing their victory and leaving Oman in fourth place at the conclusion of the tournament.
Oman’s starting lineup featured Ibrahim al Mukhaini in goal, with Thani al Rushaidi, Ahmed al Khamisi, Ahmed al Kaabi, and Ali al Busaidy in defence. Mahmood al Mushaifri, Ahed al Mashakeyi, Abdullah Fawaz and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri anchored the midfield, while Nasser al Rawahi and Essam al Subhi led the attack.
While the Red Warriors fell short of a podium finish, their performances in the Cafa Nations Cup including a dramatic victory over Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and a draw against hosts Uzbekistan provided valuable competitive experience. With crucial AFC Asian qualifiers against Qatar and the UAE on the horizon in October, Oman will look to build on these experiences and sharpen their preparations for the decisive road to the Fifa World Cup 2026.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
