The Saudi national football team clinched a dramatic last-minute victory against their Omani counterparts with a score of 2-1 on Tuesday evening, in the first round of Group 6 matches at the AFC Asian Cup, hosted in Doha, Qatar, from January 12 to February 10, 2024. With this result, Thailand secured the top position in Group 6 with 3 points after defeating Kyrgyzstan 2-0, followed closely by Saudi Arabia in second place.
Oman entered the match with clear defensive organization before launching a counter-attack in the 10th minute, during which their striker Mohsen Al Ghassani fell inside the penalty area after a clash with Saudi defender Hassan Tambakti. The referee reviewed the incident using the VAR technology and awarded a penalty to Oman, which Salah Al Yahyaei successfully converted, putting Oman ahead in the 14th minute.
The Saudi team registered their first serious threat in the 22nd minute when Salem Al Dawsari skillfully maneuvered through the Omani defense on the left but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 31st minute, Sami Al Najai hit a dangerous shot from the edge of the penalty area that was cleared by Oman's defense. Just a minute later, young player Nasser Al Dawsari attempted a powerful shot that narrowly missed the left post.
In the 40th minute, Saudi Arabia had another great opportunity when Saud Abdul Hamid delivered a fantastic low cross from the right that evaded all players in front of the Omani goal. During stoppage time of the first half, Oman’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mohaini showcased his skills with a stunning save against Al Najai who was face-to-face with him.
The Saudi team dominated possession in the second half, with Al Mohaini, known as the Great Wall of Oman, saving a powerful shot from Mohammed Kanno in the 53rd minute. A minute later, Saleh Al Shehri struck a powerful shot from inside the penalty area that just sailed over the bar.
Oman appeared more offensive again in the 64th minute for the first time in the second half, threatening the Saudi goal with two consecutive plays. In a remarkable display, Omani star Salah Al Yahyaei managed to maneuver through the Saudi defense from the right side, only to see his shot hit the post.
Not to be outdone, Al Nassr winger Abdul Rahman Ghareeb, in his first touch after coming onto the pitch, twisted through the Omani defense and scored the equalizer for Saudi Arabia in the 78th minute.
Following the equalizer, Saudi Arabia pressed hard, and in the dying moments of stoppage time, defender Ali Al Bulayhi scored a crucial header that gave the green team "3 precious points." The referee drew attention during Al Bulayhi's goal by initially signaling for offside after consulting the VAR, only to reverse his decision, confirming the goal in a dramatic scene.
