Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Oman remain unbeaten at the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations after playing out a 1-1 draw with Iraq in Monday’s Group B clash at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.
The Omanis did not have the best of the starts as they fell behind in the 14th minute when Yaser Kasim sent a follow-up shot into the ground and looping into the back of the net, after Ahmad Ibrahim’s initial header had been saved by Ali Al Habsi.
However, six minutes into the second half, Paul Le Guen’s charges were handed the perfect opportunity to equalise when Iraq defender Ali Adnan was penalised for handball inside the box, paving the way for Ahmed Mubarak to drill home the equaliser from the spot past Jalal Hassan’s despairing dive.
Having played out draws in their first two matches, Oman remain third in the group but are only behind second-placed United Arab Emirates on goals scored, while Iraq is currently bottom with just one point to their name.
The Omanis will also be looking to challenge for top honours at next January’s AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia, while Iraq will need much improvement if they are to stand a chance of repeating their title triumph of 2007.
Photo: AFP