Oman earned their first point in the FIFA Arab Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Morocco on Friday night in their second Group B fixture at Education City Stadium in Doha. The result placed Oman on one point while Morocco moved to four points after their earlier victory over Comoros.
The Red Warriors will now head into a decisive clash against Comoros on Monday at Stadium 974, while Morocco meets Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium in a tight clash.
The match began as a tense, tactical contest as both sides displayed defensive discipline and resilience. Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, entered the game as clear favourites and demonstrated their attacking intent early on. They controlled the tempo in the opening half, creating two dangerous chances but Oman’s goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini managed to save and keep the match level.
Oman defended compactly, maintaining strong organisation across the backline. Despite Morocco’s high pressing and quick exchanges around the box, the Omani defensive unit led by Ahmed al Khamisi and Thani al Rushaidi denied clear openings and frustrated their opponents.
In the 13th minute, Morocco nearly capitalised on a misplaced Omani pass as Ali El Karti unleashed a powerful strike, but Al Mukhaini reacted superbly to push the effort out for a corner.
Although Oman faced difficulties in building from the back due to occasional inaccurate ground passes, they grew into the match gradually. The midfield trio worked hard to close spaces, and both sides entered the break still searching for a breakthrough.
The second half saw Oman step forward with greater confidence.
In the 49th minute, Yousuf al Malki delivered a promising left-footed effort from a tight angle, forcing Moroccan goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid into a fine save at the top corner. Just minutes later, the momentum of the match shifted dramatically when Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez issued a straight red card to Morocco’s Hamed Allah for a dangerous challenge on Musab al Shaqsi.
With Morocco reduced to 10 men, Oman increased their attacking pressure. Red Warriors came close once again in the 69th minute when Musab al Maamari fired a right-footed attempt from outside the box, missing narrowly.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz responded with tactical substitutions, bringing on Salah al Yahyaei for Al Maamari and introducing Ahed al Mashaikhi in place of Abdullah Fawaz. Their creativity added spark to Oman’s forward movements, while Zaher al Aghbari later replaced Jameel al Yahmadi to further energise the attack.
Despite Oman’s efforts to penetrate the tightened Moroccan defence through Salah, Essam and Yousef, the final pass and finishing touch proved elusive. Morocco, meanwhile, attempted to threaten through set-pieces in the closing stages, with Marwane Sadane heading wide in the 90th minute. Then, the Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benítez announced the match end with a goalless draw.
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