Saudi Arabia beats Oman 2-1

Saudi Arabia beats Oman 2-1 in AFC Asia Cup

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Saudi Arabia beats Oman 2-1 in AFC Asia Cup. Saudi picked three points in the first match of this group match. Oman Put on a great show match looked to end in a draw but in injury time Saudi Arabia scored a goal and won this opening match of the AFC Asia Cup. Saudi Arabia is one of the top contenders to win this tournament. Saudi Arabia won the Asia Cup on three occasions (1984, 1988, and 1996) and looking for a fourth AFC Asia Cup title.

Saudi Arabia Starting Eleven

Saudi Arabia’s Coach Roberto Mancini picked Ahmed Al-Kassar as the first-choice goalkeeper. Hassan Altambakti, Ali Lajami, and Ali Albulayhi Played in a three-man defense. Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Sami Al-Najei, and Mohamed Kanno in a Mid- field. Saud Abdulhamid played as right wing-back and Nasser Aldawsari played as Left wing-back. Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari played as a center forward. Roberto Mancini chose an Italian-type formation of 3-5-2.

Oman Starting Eleven

Branko Ivanković chose a starting eleven, Ibrahim Saleh Al Mukhaini in a goal. Ahmed Al-Khamisi and Khalid Al-Braiki are in the centre-back position. Ahmed Al Kaabi is played on the left side-back and Arshad Al Alawi is played on the right side-back position. Harib Al-Saadi is in the defensive midfielder role. Abdullah Fawaz and Jameel Al-Yahmadi are in the center midfield position. Salaah Al-Yahyaei is playing in a center-attacking- midfielder role. Muhsen Al-Ghassani and Issam Al Sabhi are playing in the centre-forward position. Branko Ivankovic selected a 4-1-2-1-2 formation in this match.

Saudi Arabia beats Oman 2-1 in AFC Asia Cup

First-half

Saudi Arabia keeps possession early in the match trying to create a goal-scoring option for their strikers. In the 9th minute, the Saudi team won a corner, but it was wasted by them cheaply Oman broke down the right and Al Yahyaei won a corner. Mancini’s face was red with anger at that time.

In the 14th minute, Hassan Altambakti tugged Muhsen Al-Ghassani who was running to meet the cross. The referee checked in VAR and gave the foul and awarded a penalty to Oman. In the 15th minute, Salaah Al-Yahyaei scored a penalty Oman took a 1-0 lead.

Saudi Arabia beats Oman 2-1

Sami Al-Najei runs behind the Oman defense line, but Ahmed Al-Khamisi blocks him. Saudi Arabia creating pressure on Oman’s defense. Oman has more command in the center of the pitch with four midfielders as compared to Saudi Midfielders. In the 30th minute, Sami-Al-Najei’s Shot from inside the edge of the box is deflected wide for a corner.

In the 41st minute, Saud Abdulhamid crosses from the right and it goes through the legs of two Oman defenders. Sami at the back post steers it back across with Ibrahim kicking out a foot to save low down. Oman’s defensive unit did very well in the first half absorbing so much pressure. Saudi Arabia is frustrated with their performance they missed so many chances to level the scoreline.

Second- Half

Saudi started the second half strongly trying to keep the possession. In the 53rd minute, Mohamed Kanno took a low shot but was saved by the Oman Goalkeeper. Oman also has a chance to score a second goal but Salaah Al-Yahyaei but his volley sails over the bar. In the 61st Minute, Roberto Mancini brings Abdullah Radif from the bench in place of Sami Al-Najei.

A substitute Mataz Saleh and Salaah Al-Yahyaei both missed a chance to double the scoreline for Oman. In the 78th minute, Abdulrahman Ghareeb ran off three to four defenders and scored with a side-footed shot Saudi Arabia Scored the equalizer 1-1.

In the 89th minute, Abdul Hamid’s header did not find the target he missed a chance to give a lead to Saudi Arabia. With eight minutes of stoppage time left in the match, Oman put more bodies in defense but in the 96th minute, Ali Albulayhi scored a header from a corner Referee showed an off-side flag after checking with the VAR Referee changed the decision it was a goal. Saudi Arabia leading 2-1 in this match. The match ended Saudi picked up three points.

Saudi Arabia’s next match with Kyrgyzstan is on 21 January. Oman will face Thailand in next match on 21 January.

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