Oman suffer 3-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup

Jeddah – Oman’s national football team suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday in the second round of Group A matches at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

The result saw Saudi Arabia secure qualification for the next round after moving to the top of Group A with six points. Iraq are second with four points following their 3-2 victory over Kuwait, while Oman remains third with one point and Kuwait fourth with no points.

Saudi Arabia took the lead in the 10th minute through Firas Al-Buraikan, who converted a direct free kick after Oman's Ghanem Al-Habshi was booked for a foul.

The hosts were awarded a penalty four minutes later, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

Saudi Arabia doubled their advantage in the 20th minute when Hassan Kadash headed home from a corner. Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini produced several important saves to keep the deficit from increasing.

Al-Buraikan scored his second goal in the 33rd minute to put Saudi Arabia 3-0 ahead. Oman appeared to pull one back through Nasser Al-Rawahi two minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Al-Mukhaini made another crucial save in stoppage time to prevent Saudi Arabia from adding a fourth goal before the interval.

Oman looked to respond after the break, creating pressure through attacks and set pieces. However, their efforts failed to produce a goal. Al-Rawahi had a clear opportunity in the 76th minute but was unable to reduce the deficit.

Saudi Arabia continued to threaten the Oman goal but missed several chances as the match ended 3-0.

Oman coach Tarik Sektioui made three second-half substitutions, bringing on Musab Al-Maamari, Hussein Al-Shahri and Zaher Al-Aghbari for Abdullah Fawaz, Sultan Badr and Ghanem Al-Habsi.

Oman started with Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini, Harib Al-Saadi, Ghanem Al-Habsi, Musab Al-Shaqsi, Khalid Al-Ghatrifi, Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Abdullah Fawaz, Sultan Al-Marzouq, Jamil Al-Yahmedi, Essam Al-Subhi and Nasser Al-Rawahi.

The match was officiated by a Bahraini refereeing team led by Ammar Mahfouz, with Mohammed Jaafar Salman and Abdullah Al-Ruwaimei as assistant referees. Joao Pinheiro was the fourth official, while Mishari Al-Shammari and Ismail Habib handled VAR duties.