MUSCAT, OCT 20
Oman’s national under-17 football team opened their Gulf Cup U17 Qatar 2026 campaign with a 2-1 defeat to China at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium on Monday evening, despite a strong second-half response and a late goal from Abdulrahman al Hashmi.
China took a two-goal lead before the break, while Oman reduced the deficit in the 90th minute but could not find an equaliser during stoppage time.
The result left China on top of Group A with six points, while Bahrain and the UAE have three points each. Oman and hosts Qatar remain without a point. Bahrain also recorded a 1-0 victory over Qatar in the other Group A fixture.
Oman will return to action on Thursday when they face the UAE at Grand Hamad Stadium in what has become an important match for their hopes of progressing from the group. China will meet Bahrain on the same day at Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium.
The opening stages against China were evenly contested, with both sides attempting to settle into possession before the first clear chance arrived in the 13th minute. Yang Chenxu connected with a delivery from the left and struck a powerful effort, but Oman goalkeeper Abdullah al Zaabi reacted well to keep it out.
Oman gradually began to create opportunities of their own. Abdulrahman al Hashmi tested the Chinese goalkeeper in the 22nd minute before captain Bashar al Shamsi came close 10 minutes later after breaking through the defence. His initial attempt was saved, and his follow-up lob narrowly missed the target.
Al Zaabi was again called into action in the 38th minute after a defensive error allowed China a clear sight of goal, while Abdulrahim al Tuwairshi responded moments later with a powerful left-footed strike that was kept out.
China finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Liu Kai converted from the penalty spot. Oman then suffered another setback deep into first-half stoppage time, with Peng Xianchen heading home China’s second to send the young Red Warriors into the interval trailing 2-0.
ATTACKING INTENT
Oman returned with greater attacking intent after the break. Al Hashmi headed wide in the 55th minute, while Al Tuwairshi fired over shortly afterwards as Ahmed bin Salem Bait Said’s side increased the pressure.
The match shifted further in Oman’s favour in the 63rd minute when China were reduced to 10 men following a straight red card to Liu Kaiwan.
Oman pushed forward in search of a way back, with Al Hashmi and Nader al Noobi among those threatening the Chinese goal. Their pressure was finally rewarded in the 90th minute when Saif al Jabri’s free-kick struck the defensive wall and fell to Al Hashmi, who converted to make it 2-1.
The young Red Warriors continued to press during stoppage time and came close to snatching an equaliser, but China held on to secure the three points.
The tournament features 10 teams divided into two groups. Oman are in Group A alongside Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and China, while Group B comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen and Egypt.
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