JEDDAH, SEPT 23
Oman fought again from a aim down to attract 1-1 with Iraq of their Gulf Cup 27 Group A opener at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports activities Metropolis on Wednesday.
Nasser al Rawahi, Man of the Match, scored a shocking equaliser within the 67th minute to earn some extent within the first match of Group A.
The event is being held in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6.
Iraq began strongly, with Mohamed Qasim opening the scoring within the sixth minute with a left-footed strike from contained in the penalty space after a defensive lapse by Oman.
Ahmed Yahya had examined the Oman defence within the first minute, however his effort was comfortably saved by Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini. The prospect got here after sustained stress from Iraq.
Oman head coach Tarik Sektioui throughout the match. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani
Iraq continued to dominate possession and created three consecutive assaults within the twenty second, twenty fourth and twenty fifth minutes, however all three had been cleared by the Omani defence.
Oman midfielder Amjad al Harthi tried to create probabilities with two crosses from the suitable flank within the twenty sixth and thirty third minutes, however neither posed any actual risk.
Within the thirty eighth minute, Iraq threatened by way of Hassan Abdul Karim, however the Oman goalkeeper made a great save to disclaim his effort.
Oman left-back Nasser al Rawahi made two of the group’s most harmful makes an attempt, driving into the penalty space within the fortieth and 45+4th minutes.
In direction of the tip of the primary half, Oman tried to regain management and preserve possession, however Iraq held on to their lead to enter the break forward.
HIGH INTENSITY
Oman began the second half with excessive depth, with Issam al Sabhi profitable a free-kick within the 51st minute, however the Purple Warriors didn’t capitalise on it.
Each coaches made a number of adjustments, most notably Oman bringing off striker Issam al Sabhi.
Within the sixty fourth and sixty fifth minutes, Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini made two essential saves to maintain his group within the sport.
Oman left-back Nasser al Rawahi produced a shocking strike within the 67th minute to search out the again of the web and convey the Purple Warriors degree.
Omani followers on the stands earlier than the match. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani
Al Mukhaini continued to shine, making a number of necessary saves to maintain Iraq at bay.
Within the 79th minute, Iraq striker Aymen Hussein missed a close-range header from a cross, with the ball narrowly passing extensive of the goalkeeper’s left publish.
Within the 90+2nd minute, Oman launched one other assault, however the Iraqi defence cleared the hazard.
Pleasure intensified in stoppage time, however neither aspect may discover a profitable aim because the match resulted in a 1-1 draw.
The match was officiated by a UAE refereeing group led by worldwide referee Omar al Ali, with Mohammed al Hammadi and Jassim Abdullah as assistant referees.
Bahrain’s Ammar Mahfouz served because the fourth official, whereas UAE’s Mohammed Obaid was the VAR in-charge, assisted by Qatar’s Meshaari al Shammari.
Omani followers on the stands earlier than the match. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani
OPENING CEREMONY
The Gulf Cup 27 kicked off with a spectacular 15-minute opening ceremony that includes cultural and leisure performances celebrating Gulf identification and Saudi Nationwide Day.
The ceremony featured cultural performances and fireworks, formally marking the beginning of Gulf Cup 27.
The second Group A match was performed late on Wednesday night time, with hosts Saudi Arabia taking up Kuwait at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis, which has a capability of round 62,000 spectators.
The match was officiated by Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro, assisted by Pedro Ribeiro and Luciano Maia.
Qatar’s Mohammed bin Ahmed al Shammari served because the fourth official. China’s Fu Ming was the VAR, assisted by Morocco’s Hamza al Fariq.
The Group B marketing campaign will get underway on Thursday with two matches. The UAE will face Yemen at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis, earlier than Qatar tackle defending champions Bahrain at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports activities Metropolis.
