MUSCAT: Oman’s national under-20 football team made a winning start to their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign after coming from behind to defeat hosts Qatar 2-1 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Monday.
Second-half goals from Ali al Alawi and Ahmed al Fahdi overturned Qatar’s first-half lead and handed head coach Hamad al Azzani’s side three valuable points in their Group E opener.
Saudi Arabia also opened their campaign with three points after beating Hong Kong, China 2-0. The Saudis lead the group on goal difference with Oman second, both on three points, while Qatar and Hong Kong, China remain without a point.
Oman showed attacking intent from the early stages, creating their first opportunity in the fourth minute with a header that was well saved by Qatar goalkeeper Awad Ashraf.
The hosts gradually settled into the contest and broke the deadlock in the 26th minute through Muhannad Jameel, who found space inside the penalty area and converted Adam Riyad’s pass to put his side ahead.
Oman responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Abdulaziz al Manwari came close in the 34th minute after racing onto a through ball from the left, but his effort went wide as Qatar carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.
The young Red Warriors returned for the second half with greater urgency. Mohammed al Sameen tested Awad Ashraf in the 51st minute before the Qatar goalkeeper produced further saves to deny Abdullah al Saadi and Ahmed al Fahdi as Oman increased the pressure.
AL FAHDI NETS WINNER
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute. After Qatar failed to fully clear an Omani corner, the ball fell to Ali al Alawi, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Oman maintained their momentum and completed the comeback nine minutes later. Al Waleed al Buraidi sent the ball into the penalty area, where Ahmed al Fahdi finished the move to give Oman a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute.
Al Azzani’s side then remained composed through the closing stages to secure an important opening victory and strengthen their position in the race for qualification.
Attention now turns to a crucial second-round meeting with Saudi Arabia on Thursday at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm Oman time, with both teams entering the contest level on three points.
Oman will conclude their Group E campaign against Hong Kong, China on Sunday, September 6. Under the competition format, the eight group winners and seven best runners-up will qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Finals alongside hosts China.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
