Oman beat Kuwait to boost semifinal hopes

Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Oman boosted their chances of qualifying for the semifinals of the 24th Gulf Cup with a 2-1 victory against Kuwait at Al Duhail Stadium on Saturday.

Ten-time champions Kuwait had come into the match with a statement victory, against Saudi Arabia in the first match, but two defensive errors in the first half which resulted in two penalties that were happily converted by Abdulaziz Al Maqbali left them with too much to chase in the second half.

Though Kuwait pulled one back through Yousef Al Suleiman, Oman managed to cling on for a crucial victory.

Kuwait defence looked nervy in the first half and the first signs came in the 10th minute when Oman midfielder Mohsil Al Khaldi found Muhsen Al Ghassani completely unmarked inside the box with a long ball.

Though Kuwait survived on that occasion, thanks to the Omani striker's poor control, they were not that lucky two minutes later.

 Al Ghassani was involved again and this time he did not even have to control the ball as a rash tackle from defender Meshari Alenezi floored him inside the box.

Though referee Khamis Al Marri allowed the play to continue, VAR spotted the foul and Oman were awarded their first penalty, in the 16th minute.

Abdulaziz Al Maqbali, who stepped up to take the kick after the long VAR delay, was calmness personified and nonchalantly slotted the ball home, sending goalkeeper Hameed Yousef the wrong way.

Kuwait defence had not learned the lesson and after Al Ghassani missed another chance following an error from Fahed Al Hajri, Oman were awarded a second penalty and this time Yousef was the guilty party.

Al Sulaiman Al Busaidi released Al Maqbali on the left with a long ball into the box and Yousef felled the Omani forward with a bad challenge.

It was an easy decision for Al Khamis to make while Al Maqbali picked himself up and casually stroked the ball into the net from the spot for his second goal.

Kuwait's best chance in the first half came in the 39th minute when Al Suleiman's shot kissed the post after a neat link-up play also involving Bader Al Mutawa and Ahmed Aldhefeery.

Al Mutawa, who ran the game against Saudi Arabia, was not at his best and that also affected Kuwait's rhythm.

Meanwhile, their lackadaisical defending meant they were always on the edge and Al Ghassani had two big opportunities to increase the lead in the first half itself.

Kuwait were playing with a lot more intent in the second half and with Oman happy to play the waiting game that enjoyed plenty of space and possession. Though they could not create that many clear cut chances for long, they were handed a glimmer of hope in the 79th when Al Sulaiman pulled one back with a left footed shot from outside the box.

Oman defence looked increasingly shaky with Abdul Al Mukhaini making two big mistakes towards the end but Kuwait could not make much out of it and Oman survived.

Oman take on Saudi Arabia in their final group match on Monday while Kuwait play Bahrain.