Muscat: The Oman Under-17 team opened its Asian qualifiers campaign with a 3–1 victory over Syria on Monday night at Thuwunna Stadium, strengthening its hopes of claiming the top spot in Group 7 and moving closer to securing qualification to the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 12th time in its history.
Awad al Saadi put Oman ahead in the 21st minute from the penalty spot, ending the first half with a 1–0 lead. At the start of the second half, Oman doubled the score when a corner kick caused confusion in the Syrian defence, resulting in an own goal in the 48th minute.
Syria reduced the deficit in the 64th minute with a well-taken free kick, but Oman responded quickly. Bashar al Shamsi pounced on a loose ball, dribbled past the Syrian goalkeeper, and calmly slotted it into the net in the 65th minute to seal a valuable 3–1 victory.
Oman will play their second match on Wednesday when they face Nepal at Thuwunna Stadium in Myanmar at 1:30 pm (Oman time), as part of Group 7, which also includes Afghanistan, Syria and hosts Myanmar.
Led by head coach Ahmed bin Salem Beit Said and assistant coach Haitham al Alawi, the team aims to secure a second consecutive win and build on the momentum gained from the opening victory.
MYANMAR TOP STANDINGS
Myanmar top the group with 6 points from two matches. Oman sit second with 3 points, ahead of Syria — third with the same tally — on goal difference. Afghanistan and Nepal remain at the bottom with no points.
Oman appear well-positioned to overcome Nepal and collect another three points, which would raise their total to six and place them jointly at the top of the group alongside Myanmar.
With only the group leader guaranteed direct qualification to the Asian finals, the pressure is mounting on head coach Ahmed Beit Said’s side. He is fully aware of the importance of securing three points on Wednesday, especially since Nepal will be fighting for a positive result to revive their chances. The group’s battle is expected to remain open until the decisive final round.
Oman will continue its qualifying journey with a crucial third match against hosts Myanmar on November 28 at 1:30 pm ( Oman time), in what is expected to be one of the decisive encounters of Group 7. The team will then conclude its campaign on November 30, when it faces Afghanistan at 4:30 pm (Oman time), a match that could ultimately determine the group’s final standings and Oman’s chances of advancing to the Asian finals.
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