Oman U17 fall short of Asian Cup spot despite big win

Muscat, Dec 1

Oman national under-17 team concluded its campaign in the qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup — set to take place in Saudi Arabia in April 2026 — with a commanding 4–0 victory over Afghanistan. The match was played at Thuwunna National Stadium in Myanmar as part of the fifth and final round of Group 7.

This win lifted Oman’s tally to 9 points, placing the team second in the Group 7 standings. However, the national team missed out on direct qualification, as Myanmar topped the group with 10 points. Syria finished third with 7 points, Afghanistan fourth with 3, while Nepal ended at the bottom with no points.

Oman began the match with a clear attacking approach, maintaining possession and enjoying territorial control for most of the first half, while varying their attacking patterns through the middle and the flanks. Despite this superiority, Afghanistan produced the first real threat in the 17th minute with a powerful shot that was deflected for a corner. Oman responded quickly through a valuable chance in the 19th minute, missed by Saleh Fakhri, followed by a serious attempt from Mohammed al Hashim in the 21st minute that went narrowly wide. Another effort came from Muadh al Hinai in the 24th minute, also missing by a small margin.

Oman continued their sustained pressure as Afghanistan retreated deeper, but the breakthrough did not come until stoppage time. In the second minute of added time (45+2), Abdullah al Saadi capitalised on a loose ball inside the box and finished confidently, giving Oman a well-deserved lead heading into half-time.

GREATER MOMENTUM

The Junior Red Warriors entered the second half with even greater momentum. Afghanistan created a modest chance in the 57th minute, but Oman extended their lead just three minutes later. In the 60th minute, Mohammed al Hashim delivered a superb through-ball to Turki al Ghassani, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball home. Three minutes after that, Al Ghassani struck again, following up a rebound from the Afghan goalkeeper after a powerful shot from Al Saadi, making it 3–0.

Oman continued to dominate, with substitute Saad al Maamari nearly adding another in the 79th minute with a curling effort that was brilliantly saved. In the 85th minute, Mohammed al Hashim sealed the victory with a precise header, securing Oman’s fourth goal of the night. The match then settled into a calmer rhythm, with four minutes of stoppage time added but no further changes to the scoreline, ending in a convincing 4–0 win.

Despite the big win and overall convincing performances throughout the qualifiers, Oman finished second behind Myanmar, ending the dream of direct qualification. Nevertheless, the team exited the competition with encouraging displays and promising young talents who showcased potential for a brighter future in upcoming tournaments.