MUSCAT: Oman’s national hockey team continued its strong start to the 2026 Asian Games Qualifier with an important 2-1 win over Thailand in their Group A match at the Royal Thai Air Force Hockey Field in Bangkok. The result marked Oman’s second successive victory in the tournament. Further, it strengthened its position in the race for qualification after a closely contested match that remained intense until the closing stages.
Oman entered the match with clear focus and turned its positive start into an opening goal in the first quarter through Aseel al Maaini in the 12th minute. The period also saw Faisal Alloun Ambork receive a green card at 13:05, while Oman had earned an early penalty corner at 1:06. The Red Warriors finished the opening quarter 1-0 ahead after producing the better structure and showing a relative edge in general play.
The second quarter was played at a higher tempo as Thailand pushed for a response and found the equaliser through Juntakian Tanakit in the 24th minute, capitalising on a penalty corner awarded just moments earlier. Oman, however, responded quickly and effectively, with Rashad al Fazari restoring the lead in the 29th minute to give the national team a 2-1 advantage by half-time. Al Fazari delivered one of the standout performances of the match and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
The third quarter was defined by physical battles and sustained Thai pressure as the hosts searched for another equaliser, while Oman maintained its defensive balance and tactical discipline. Hazaa al Balushi received a green card at 36:20, and Thailand was awarded penalty corners at 37:51 and 38:05, but Oman’s defence stood firm to preserve the lead heading into the final period.
In the final quarter, Oman held a narrow one-goal lead as Thailand pushed hard for an equaliser with home support behind them. The pace increased as the hosts applied attacking pressure, while the Red Warriors stayed defensively disciplined and closed down the spaces effectively. Oman remained composed in the closing minutes, handled the growing pressure well and held on for a valuable win that underlined its technical and mental readiness for the rest of the qualifier.
The victory gives Oman another strong boost ahead of its next match against Hong Kong China on Monday, April 6, at 11 am Muscat time. That fixture will represent another important test for the Red Warriors as they aim to maintain their positive momentum in Group A and move a step closer to the decisive rounds and one of the four available qualification places for the 2026 Asian Games.
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