MUSCAT, SEPT 9
The Oman Under-23 Olympic football team ended its campaign in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Pakistan on Tuesday at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Despite the win, Oman were unable to advance to the Asian finals as they ended Group G with four points only.
Oman’s journey in the qualifiers began with a goalless draw against hosts Cambodia in a tough weather condition, followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Iraq in their second match. The Red Warriors entered the final fixture against Pakistan needing a strong win and favourable results elsewhere to keep their qualification hopes alive. While they delivered a composed performance and secured three points, the overall standings meant their campaign came to an end.
Against Pakistan, Oman started brightly, showing attacking intent from the outset. Nasser al Saqri was among the early threats, using his pace on the right flank to beat a defender and break into the box, only to be denied by a smart intervention from Pakistan goalkeeper Hassan Ali.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when forward Turki Abdullah timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and convert a well-measured cross from Said al Ghanboosi, giving Oman the early lead. The match continued at a lively pace with chances for both sides. Pakistan’s Syed Ali Raza struck the crossbar with a fierce effort, while Oman’s Sameer al Hatmi missed a golden opportunity, heading over from close range just before half time.
A heavy downpour during the interval created difficult conditions in the second half, as both sides took time to adjust to the slick surface. Pakistan came close to equalising in the 75th minute, but Mckeal Aroon’s attempt was expertly saved by Oman goalkeeper Abdullah al Jabri. Oman responded almost immediately, with Osama Sameer’s effort rattling the post as they pressed for a second goal. Ultimately, the early strike from Turki Abdullah proved enough to secure the win.
With the victory, Oman concluded their Group G campaign with four points, placing them behind Iraq, who advanced to the finals as group winners with a match played later against Cambodia. Only the group winners and the four best second-placed teams progressed to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia, leaving Oman narrowly missing out on qualification.
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