JEDDAH: Oman produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Kuwait 3-1 and secure a place in the semifinals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Their progression was eventually decided by draw of lots after finishing level with Iraq in Group A.
Oman trailed 1-0 at half-time following Shabib al Khaldi’s early goal for Kuwait in the sixth minute.
The Red Warriors responded with three goals in the second half to turn the match around and keep their semifinal hopes alive in a dramatic final round of group matches at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on Tuesday night.
Nasser al Rawahi was the driving force behind Oman’s revival, scoring twice to put his side in control before substitute Musab al Shaqsi added the third to complete the comeback.
The opening goal gave Kuwait confidence, while Oman struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.
However, the momentum shifted after the break as the Omani side increased their attacking pressure in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Al Rawahi finished a well-worked move from the right, converting a low cross into the net to restore parity.
AL RAWAHI HITS BRACE
Oman continued to push forward, and their pressure was rewarded again in the 81st minute.
Al Rawahi found space inside the Kuwait defence before unleashing a powerful strike to put the Red Warriors ahead 2-1.
The comeback was completed four minutes later when substitute Al Shaqsi rose to meet a cross from the left and headed home the third goal, sparking celebrations among the Omani supporters.
The 3-1 victory kept Oman in contention for a place in the last four, but their fate remained dependent on the outcome of the other Group A encounter between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Saudi Arabia defeated Iraq 2-0, with Abdullah al Salem opening the scoring in the 54th minute before Abdullah al Hamdan added the second in the 69th minute.
The result left Oman and Iraq level after the group-stage matches, with neither side able to secure an advantage through the applicable head-to-head and other tie-breaking criteria.
The Gulf Cup organisers therefore resorted to a draw of lots to determine the second qualifying team from the group.
Oman were eventually announced as the winners of the draw, joining group leaders Saudi Arabia in the semifinals in a rare moment in the tournament's history.
The decision brought an extraordinary end to a night of tension for the Omani players and supporters.
Wednesday’s Group B matches see Qatar face the UAE and Bahrain meet Yemen, with both kicking off at 9.30 pm (Oman time).
Oman will face the Group B winners (UAE or Qatar) in the semifinal on October 3.
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