Oman U-23 fall to Iraq and exit early from Gulf Cup

MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic national football team suffered a 2–0 defeat against Iraq in the match played at Aspire Zone Pitch 1, as part of the Gulf U-23 Cup currently hosted by Qatar from December 4 to 16.

The match began with Iraq dominating possession and dictating the play, while Oman relied on compact positioning in midfield and quick counters from the flanks. Despite the early Iraqi pressure, Oman’s defence and goalkeeper Ibrahim al Kindi stood firm, preventing any real danger on goal.

Oman’s first attacking attempt came in the 8th minute through a shot by Bashar al Maharrabi. Iraq responded moments later with a dangerous cross to Ayman Abdulhassan, but al Kindi saved the effort superbly. Toward the end of the first half, Oman moved forward and created good chances, as Ghassan al Masroori almost scored in the 39th minute after a precise cross from Al Maharrabi, but his volley passed just wide of the left post. In the 44th minute, Yousuf al Shabibi fired a powerful shot over the bar. The half concluded with a 0–0 draw.

IRAQ TAKE THE LEAD ... OMAN UNABLE TO CAPITALISE

At the start of the second half, Oman tried to increase their attacking presence, but without taking advantage of the opportunities. Soon after, Iraq were awarded a penalty following a foul committed by Jawad al Azzi, and Ammouri Faisal converted it in the 49th minute to put Iraq in front.

Oman and Iraq players fight for the ball.

Oman pushed forward in search of an equaliser and earned four consecutive corner kicks, but none were utilised properly. In the 69th minute, Ghassan al Masroori broke into the Iraqi box and took a strong shot, but the Iraqi defense cleared it at the last moment.

Head coach Badr al Maimani made attacking substitutions to add fresh energy, introducing Ammar al Sharqi in place of Yousuf al Shabibi, and Ahmed al Shanfari instead of Al Masroori. Oman came close again from a powerful free kick by Masoud al Bahri in the 78th minute, but Iraqi goalkeeper Kimi Lateef denied it brilliantly, before another attempt from Masoud went narrowly wide in the 80th minute.

From a fast counterattack, Iraq doubled their lead through Ayman Luay in the 82nd minute. Oman continued to fight to reduce the deficit, but luck was not on their side as the match ended 2–0 in favor of Iraq.

EARLY EXIT FROM THE TOURNAMENT

Following this defeat, Oman become the first team eliminated from Group B after suffering two losses. In the other group match, the UAE defeated Yemen 3–1 to lead the standings with six points, followed by Iraq and Yemen with three points each, while Oman remain at the bottom with no points.