Coach Koeman delighted with Oman’s win

Doha, Qatar: Oman coach Erwin Koeman was a satisfied man after the defending Gulf Cup champions survived a second-half onslaught from Kuwait to hold on for a 2-1 victory in a Group B clash at Al Duhail Stadium on Saturday.

Oman appeared cruising after scoring two goals in the first half, both through well-taken penalties from Abdulaziz Al Maqbali and even though Kuwait came at them hard in the second half Koeman's men held on to his delight.

"We played very well, especially in the first half, and we created opportunities," Koeman said at the post-match press conference. "We had the least three chances, but in the second half, we had difficulties.

He added: "We gave Kuwait belief and energy in the second half because of frequently losing the ball, as the players had to go back to support the defence, and therefore were vulnerable to exhaustion."

Oman next take on Saudi Arabia, who defeated Bahrain in Saturday's second match, and they would need just a draw to ensure a semifinal berth.

"We have to be ready within the specified time, our main problem is the physical side but we will work hard to be ready to face Saudi Arabia.