Oman U17s end Gulf Cup campaign with Bahrain draw

MUSCAT, OCT 29

Oman’s national under-17 football team brought their Gulf Cup U17 Qatar 2026 campaign to a close with a 1-1 draw against Bahrain at Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium on Wednesday.

The result left Oman fourth in Group A with four points from four matches, while Bahrain finished third on five. The UAE topped the group with 12 points after beating Qatar 2-1 in their final fixture, while China secured second place with seven points to join the UAE in the semifinals.

Oman ended the tournament with one win, one draw and two defeats. The young Red Warriors lost their opening two matches 2-1 against China and the UAE before responding with a 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar and finishing their campaign with a point against Bahrain.

Bahrain made the stronger start in Wednesday’s encounter and twice threatened inside the opening six minutes, forcing Oman goalkeeper Nahidh Bait Jameel into early action.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 13th minute when Mohammed al Jazzaaf found space inside the penalty area, beat the defence and fired a powerful effort into the net.

Bahrain continued to look dangerous after taking the lead, with Imran Adel and Hussein Ibrahim both involved in further attacking moves. Oman, however, gradually settled into the match, and Bashar al Shamsi tested goalkeeper Hussein al Majed with a direct free-kick in the 27th minute.

Bait Jameel then produced another important save shortly before half-time to prevent Bahrain from extending their lead.

Oman showed greater urgency after the interval, with Al Shamsi going close in the 51st minute, but Bahrain remained a threat on the counterattack.

Bait Jameel was again called upon in the 64th and 70th minutes, producing key saves to keep Oman within one goal.

Oman and Bahrain players in action during the Gulf Cup U17 Qatar 2026.

JASSIM HITS EQUALISER

Oman increased the pressure in the closing stages. Nayer Bait Ardeen saw an effort deflected behind in the 81st minute before Oman finally found the equaliser two minutes later.

Jassim al Dawood reacted quickest inside the penalty area after being left unmarked, directing the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes. Al Shamsi sent a low effort narrowly wide in the 86th minute, while Bahrain were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Jassim bin Juma received a second yellow card.

Oman thought they had completed a late turnaround moments later, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

The draw brought an end to Oman’s participation in Qatar, with the team now turning its attention to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers in Salalah next month.