Friday 03 / January / 2025
Muscat: The Red Warriors fought like true heroes on the field, overcoming adversity to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory against a formidable Saudi Arabia in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Despite playing with ten men for more than an hour, Oman triumphed at the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium in Sulaibikhat, Kuwait, earning their second consecutive final appearance.
Rasheed Jaber’s men provided a perfect New Year’s celebration for Omani fans, delivering a performance brimming with resilience, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit.
The victory sets Oman up for the final on January 4, where they will face either Bahrain or hosts Kuwait, who were to play later on Tuesday night.
The match began with Saudi Arabia asserting early dominance, launching waves of attacks from the kickoff.
Oman’s captain and goalkeeper, Faiz Al Rusheidi, showcased his class and composure, making a crucial save in just the third minute to deny the Saudis an early lead. The Red Warriors took time to settle into the game, weathering Saudi Arabia’s initial onslaught while looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
The Saudis came close to scoring again in the 25th minute, but Marwan Al Sahafi missed a golden opportunity, allowing Oman to breathe a sigh of relief.
Drama unfolded in the 34th minute when Al Mandhar Al Alawi, a key component of Oman’s attacking setup, was shown a straight red card by Turkish referee Khalil Umut.
The dismissal, which came after an ankle challenge on Salem Al Dawsari, left Oman a man down and under immense pressure. The controversial decision drew vehement protests from the Omani players, but the referee stood firm.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Oman showcased remarkable composure. Al Rusheidi, in particular, played a pivotal role, producing several outstanding saves to keep the Saudis at bay. The first half ended goalless, with Saudi Arabia unable to capitalise on their advantage.
The second half saw a reinvigorated Oman side, determined to defy the odds. The breakthrough came in the 74th minute, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Arshad Al Alawi. Positioned outside the box, Al Alawi unleashed a powerful strike that broke through the wall of the Saudi defenders and past a diving goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, sparking jubilant celebrations among Omani fans.
With the momentum in their favour, Oman pressed forward. In the 84th minute, Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Ali Al Busaidi, who coolly slotted the ball into the net to double Oman’s lead.
Saudi Arabia, however, refused to go down without a fight. In the 87th minute, Mohammed Kanno pulled one back for the Saudis, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
The intensity of the match escalated during the nine minutes of injury time, later extended by an additional five minutes. Oman’s defence, led by the brilliant Al Rusheidi, absorbed relentless Saudi pressure, holding firm to secure a memorable victory.
The win marks Oman’s sixth Gulf Cup final appearance, with the team now eyeing their third title.
For coach Rasheed Jaber, the triumph was a testament to the team’s character and ability to perform under pressure. The January 4 final offers the Red Warriors a chance for redemption after their heartbreak in the previous edition’s final, where they fell short against Iraq.
Tuesday’s win also highlighted Oman’s tactical adaptability. Playing with ten men for more than an hour required a shift in strategy, with the team focusing on compact defence and swift counterattacks. Jaber’s ability to inspire his players and make tactical adjustments under challenging circumstances was instrumental in Oman’s victory.
For the fans, the victory was more than just a football match; it was a celebration of national pride and unity. The scenes of jubilation in the packed stadium and across Oman symbolised the collective joy of a nation that has long supported its team through thick and thin.
The remarkable semi-final performance will be remembered as one of Oman’s finest moments in Gulf Cup history. With the final just days away, the Red Warriors will aim to cap their journey with the ultimate prize, etching their names in football folklore.
The win certainly added sparkle to Oman’s celebratory mode, a perfect way to end 2024 and ring in 2025.
