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Saudi Arabia fight back to beat Oman 2-1

DOHA: Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat Oman 2-1 in their Asian Cup Group F opener on Tuesday at a packed Khalifa International Stadium with Ali Al Bulayhi’s winner arriving in the sixth minute of stoppage time after a VAR intervention.

With the score tied at 1-1, Al-Bulayhi scored with a close-range header from a set piece and although the linesman’s flag immediately went up for offside, VAR awarded Roberto Mancini’s side the goal.

“The goal is a gift to the Saudi people. This is what great players do,” said Al Bulayhi, who celebrated the dramatic winner in trademark fashion by inflating a green balloon near the corner flag.

The victory takes Saudi Arabia level on three points with Thailand, who beat Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in the other Group F encounter earlier in the day when Supachai Chaided scored either side of halftime.

Oman’s opener in the 14th minute came against the run of play when the Saudis took a poor corner and as their opponents countered at speed, defender Hassan Al Tambakti clipped Muhsen Al-Ghassani just as he entered the box.

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