AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers : UAE defeated Oman 2-0 to reach top of Group E

 

Al Fujairah: United Arab Emirates defeated Oman 2-0 to stay within reach of qualifying for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 on Saturday. 

The win places UAE top of Group E with six points with their fate to be decided by the India-Kyrgyz Republic match later on Saturday.

Fresh from their 1-0 win over India on Matchday Two, UAE came into the match against Oman with the aim of securing all three points and got off to a superb start as they broke the deadlock in the first 10 seconds. 

The action began with Mohammed Abbas Alblooshi’s long-range pass into the final third, with Omani defender Issa Khalfan Al Naabi mishandling his first touch to allow Marwan Fahad Alwatani to pounce on the loose ball and slot home one of the fastest goals of the Qualifiers.

Oman, who had bounced back into contention after beating Kyrgyz Republic three days earlier, were unfazed by the early deficit and went came close in the 33rd minute when Waleed Salim Al Musalmi connected to Sultan Said Ali’s cross into the box, but failed to get his header on target.

Dario Basic’s Oman side came out for the second half with determination in their eyes and controlled much of the ball, but UAE’s disciplined defending meant goalkeeper Suhail Abdulla Almutawa faced no threats.

UAE confirmed the points in the 86th minute when a series of passes left the Omani defence baffled with Majid Rashid Almehrzi setting up Ali Saleh Amri for a fine finish.