MUSCAT, SEPT 7
A superb late free-kick from Ali al Alawi secured Oman’s place at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Finals as the young Red Warriors came from behind to draw 1-1 with Hong Kong, China, in their final Group E qualifier at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Sunday.
The result took head coach Hamad al Azzani’s side to four points, enough to qualify as one of the seven best runners-up and secure Oman’s fourth appearance at the continental finals.
Saudi Arabia completed a perfect qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over hosts Qatar in the other Group E fixture, finishing top with nine points. Oman ended second on four points, Qatar third with three and Hong Kong, China fourth with one.
Oman began the decisive encounter on the front foot, with Al Alawi firing wide in the fifth minute before Al Hassan al Qasimi headed off target from an Abdulaziz al Manwari set-piece. Al Manwari also went close with a shot that narrowly missed the goal.
Hong Kong, China threatened midway through the first half, but Oman continued to create opportunities. Al Alawi fired over from inside the penalty area shortly before the break, while Abdullah al Saadi saw an effort saved in stoppage time as the teams went into half-time level.
Al Manwari remained a threat after the restart, going close twice in the opening ten minutes of the second half. However, Hong Kong, China struck against the run of play in the 58th minute when a swift counter-attack ended with Cheung Hin converting the rebound after Oman’s goalkeeper had saved the initial effort.
The setback increased the pressure on Oman, who needed a result to protect their qualification hopes. Al Azzani’s players responded by pushing forward, with Ahmed al Fahdi denied by a goal-line clearance as the search for an equaliser intensified.
The breakthrough arrived in the 81st minute when Al Alawi curled a fine direct free-kick into the net to restore parity. Oman continued to press in the closing stages, but the Hong Kong, China goalkeeper produced further saves to preserve the draw.
Speaking after the match, Al Alawi said Oman had entered the encounter determined to win but found Hong Kong, China difficult to break down. He acknowledged the pressure on his side and said the most important outcome was securing qualification.
Oman’s campaign included a 2-1 comeback victory over Qatar, a narrow 3-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia and the final-round draw against Hong Kong, China. The four points were sufficient to extend their continental journey.
The 2027 finals will be held in Hangzhou, China, from March 24 to April 10, bringing together 16 teams. Oman previously appeared at the tournament in Iran in 2000, Myanmar in 2014 and Uzbekistan in 2023. The next challenge for Al Azzani’s side will be to build on this qualification and pursue their first victory at the Asian finals.
Photo Caption: Oman U20 players celebrate after securing qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Finals.
Ali al Alawi celebrates after scoring Oman’s equaliser against Hong Kong, China in Doha.
The young Red Warriors in action during their 1-1 draw with Hong Kong, China at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium.
Oman U20 players battle for possession during their final Group E qualifier against Hong Kong, China.
Oman U20 players celebrate their qualification for the Asian finals following the 1-1 draw in Doha.
Ali al Alawi’s late free-kick helped Oman secure a place at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Finals.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
