Oman fight back to beat Kuwait as Gulf Cup semi-final place goes to draw

Oman recovered from an early setback to defeat Kuwait 3-1 in a dramatic conclusion to Group A at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

The result moved Oman to four points, level with Iraq, with both teams also matching each other for goals scored and conceded and for fair-play records based on the number of cards received. A draw will therefore be held tonight to determine which side joins Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals.

Oman needed victory, alongside an Iraq defeat by Saudi Arabia, to improve their chances of reaching the last four. Their hopes suffered an immediate blow when Kuwait took the lead after only six minutes.

Shabib Al-Khaldi put Kuwait in front, although he sustained an injury while scoring. Oman, managed by Tarek Sektioui, were unable to find an equaliser before half-time.

The turning point came after the interval. Oman increased the pressure and finally drew level in the 65th minute, when Nasser Al-Rawahi found the net.

Al-Rawahi struck again 16 minutes later to complete the turnaround and put Oman 2-1 ahead. His second goal gave Kuwait a difficult final phase as Oman continued to attack in search of further security.

The decisive third goal arrived in the 84th minute. Al-Rawahi delivered a free-kick towards the penalty area, and Musab Al-Shaqsi headed the ball into the net to complete Oman’s comeback.

Oman’s victory left them with four points, the same total as Iraq. The teams could not be separated by their goal records or their disciplinary figures, leaving a draw as the final method of deciding the second semi-finalist from the group.

Saudi Arabia will be joined in the last four by either Oman or Iraq, while Kuwait’s campaign ended with the defeat.