Gulf 26: Oman qualifies for the semi-finals with a win over Saudi Arabia

Oman qualified for the final of the Gulf Cup (Gulf 26) after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 with ten players in the semi-finals today, Tuesday.

The Saudi team dominated most of the first half, while Oman tried to score even after Al-Mundhir Al-Alawi was sent off with a direct red card near the end of the first half, which ended in a goalless draw.

The Saudi team imposed a siege on the Omani team in the second half, hoping to benefit from the numerical superiority, and thought that it had scored a goal scored by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, but the referee cancelled it due to offside after the intervention of the video assistant referee.

But Oman managed to score from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, taken by Arshad Al Alawi in the 74th minute, and 6 minutes before the end of regular time, Ali Al Busaidi scored the second goal from close range.

Goal |
Ali Al Busaidi scores the second goal for the Omani national team #Gulf_Cup || #Gulf_Zain26 #AlKass_Channels || #Show_Platform pic.twitter.com/FQbPPloHxq

— Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) December 31, 2024

Saudi Arabia reduced the deficit shortly after with a shot from outside the penalty area by Mohammed Kanno. The referee awarded the goal after reviewing the video assistant referee.

The Omani team withstood the pressure to secure a ticket to the final at the expense of the Saudi team, which ended the match with 10 players after Abdul-Ilah Hawsawi was sent off in stoppage time following a strong tackle.

Oman will await the winner of the other semi-final match between host Kuwait and Bahrain.