Muscat: Oman’s national hockey team continued its impressive run in the 2026 Asian Games Qualifier with a third successive victory, defeating Hong Kong China 2-1 at the Royal Thai Air Force Hockey Field in Bangkok in Group A.
With this third win in a row, the Red Warriors not only maintained their steady progress in the group but also secured qualification for the next stage after collecting a full nine points from all three matches, thereby confirming their place at the 2026 Asian Games.
Oman entered the match with clear focus and made the most of an early opportunity when it earned a penalty corner in the 10th minute. A minute later, Asama Barazahan converted from a pass by Khalid al Shaibi to put Oman in front and hand the Red Warriors an early advantage in the opening quarter. Barazahan was later named player of the match for his influential display.
In the same period, Hong Kong China’s Tsang Kin Kan received a green card in the 11th minute, while Oman remained defensively balanced and closed down the spaces well. Aliyas al Noufli also came close to doubling the lead in the closing moments of the quarter, but his effort on the counter-attack went just wide.
In the second quarter, Oman maintained their tactical discipline and succeeded in limiting the threat of its opponent, despite Hong Kong China’s attempt to respond through a penalty corner in the 16th minute. The quarter also saw Barazahan show a green card in the 18th minute, while Oman earned two penalty corners in the 23rd minute, but was unable to make the most of them. Hazaa al Balushi then received a yellow card in the 27th minute, while Hong Kong China’s James Shepherdson was shown a green card in the 25th minute, as Oman took a 1-0 lead into half-time.
ATTACKING PLAY
At the start of the third quarter, Oman increased the tempo of their attacking play, and Aseel al Maaini scored the second goal in the 40th minute, giving the side a stronger advantage. The period also saw Rashid al Alawi receive two green cards in the 42nd and 48th minutes.
Hong Kong China increased the pressure and won several penalty corners in the 34th, 43rd and 44th minutes, but Oman’s defence and goalkeeper dealt well with the danger. Hong Kong China eventually pulled one back through Felix Chi Him in the 44th minute.
In the final quarter, Oman sought to manage their lead calmly while keeping danger away from their defensive zone, as Hong Kong China pushed for an equaliser. The Red Warriors earned another penalty corner in the 52nd minute, but could not add a third goal. Oman, however, held firm until the final whistle to seal another important victory in their campaign.
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