MUSCAT, SEPT 4
Oman’s under-20 national football team will look to bounce back from their narrow defeat to Saudi Arabia when they face Hong Kong, China on Sunday in their final Group E match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
The match will kick off at 8 pm Oman time at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, with the young Red Warriors needing a convincing result to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Hamad al Azzani’s side enter the final round with three points from two matches, having opened their campaign with an impressive 2-1 comeback victory over hosts Qatar before falling 3-2 to Saudi Arabia in a closely contested second-round encounter.
Saudi Arabia currently lead the group with six points, while Oman and Qatar are both on three. Hong Kong, China are yet to collect a point. The final day will therefore be decisive, with Saudi Arabia taking on Qatar in the other group fixture.
Oman will be aiming not only to secure the three points against Hong Kong, China but also to improve their goal difference as they seek to strengthen their position in the race for qualification, whether by finishing top of the group or among the best runners-up.
Against Saudi Arabia, Oman produced another competitive display but were punished at key moments.
The Saudis took the lead in the 17th minute after a corner created danger inside the Oman penalty area, with Fahad Bait Rabia inadvertently directing the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.
Oman responded quickly. Ali al Alawi delivered a set-piece into the box five minutes later and Al Hassan al Qasimi converted to bring the score level at 1-1.
The young Red Warriors continued to threaten and Abdulaziz al Manwari was denied by the Saudi goalkeeper in the 38th minute, while both teams created further opportunities before going into the break level.
Saudi Arabia regained the advantage immediately after half-time, scoring from a corner in the 46th minute, before adding a third in the 65th minute to leave Oman with a difficult task.
However, Al Azzani’s players continued to push forward and reduced the deficit three minutes later. Mohammed al Sameen finished a well-worked move after combining with Al Alawi to make it 3-2 and set up a tense final period.
Oman pressed for an equaliser and came close in the closing minutes, with Bait Rabia heading narrowly wide from an Al Alawi cross in the 86th minute. Saudi Arabia, however, held firm to secure all three points.
The defeat leaves Oman with everything to play for in their final match. Having already shown their ability to recover from difficult situations in both of their opening fixtures, the young Red Warriors will now look to turn that fighting spirit into the victory they need against Hong Kong, China.
The eight group winners and seven best runners-up will advance to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Finals alongside hosts China.
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