Muscat: Oman’s national hockey team began its campaign in the 2026 Asian Games Qualifier with a deserved 4-1 victory over Indonesia at the Royal Thai Air Force Hockey Field in Bangkok, in Group A of the tournament being held from April 2 to 10. The win gave Oman an ideal start in the race for one of the qualification spots after they overturned an early deficit and finished the match emphatically.
Oman entered the match determined to impose themselves from the start, but Indonesia struck first in the opening quarter through Aulia al Ardh from a penalty stroke in the 12th minute to end the first period 1-0 ahead. The quarter also saw several physical duels as Oman tried to respond quickly, while Rashad al Fazari received a yellow card in the sixth minute and Khalid al Hasni was shown a green card in the 10th minute, in a match that was intense and tactically competitive from the outset.
Despite falling behind, Oman produced a strong response in the second quarter and levelled through Aseel al Maaini in the 27th minute.
Aliyas al Noufli then added the second goal in the 29th minute, turning the game in Oman’s favour before the end of the first half. That shift proved decisive, giving the team both technical and psychological momentum after making the most of its attacking pressure and growing control in possession and chance creation. Oman went into half-time leading 2-1, with Aliyas al Noufli later named Player of the Match for his influential display.
CLEAR EDGE
In the third quarter, Oman held on to its 2-1 lead with no change to the score despite the continued physical battle and high tempo, while Indonesia’s Arthur Wibowo was shown a yellow card in the 44th minute. The Red Warriors entered the final quarter with a clear edge before putting the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes, when Aiman Faraj Madit scored the third goal in the 56th minute, followed by Asama Barazahan’s fourth in the 57th minute.
The fourth quarter also included several notable moments, with Maitham al Wahaibi receiving a green card in the 45th minute before being shown a yellow card in the 45th minute. Aliyas al Noufli also received a green card in the 53rd minute, while Indonesia’s Alfandy Prastyo was given a yellow card in the 55th minute. Despite those interruptions, Oman maintained their focus and saw out the closing stages with confidence until the final whistle.
The victory carries real importance at the start of Oman’s qualifying campaign as the team looks to defend its title. A 4-1 win will also give the Red Warriors a welcome boost ahead of their next Group A match against Thailand on Saturday.
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