Oman secure last-four berth

Abu Dhabi: Oman became the first team to secure a semifinal berth in the 18th Gulf Cup when they beat Kuwait 2-1 at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium yesterday.

Oman collected 6 points from two matches and the result of their last match against Yemen on Tuesday will only decide the first group winners.

Oman took the lead only seven minutes into the match when Emad Al Housni intercepted a wrong back-pass from Kuwaiti defender Yagoub Nasser to his goalkeeper Nawaf Al Khaldi, and put the ball into the net.

Oman's captain Mohammad Rabei came close to returning the favour two minutes later when his back-pass flew over his advancing goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi. But Kuwait striker Fahad Al Rashidi shot into the body of a defender to earn a corner that went astray.

Khalifa Ayel had the best chance six minutes before the interval but his fierce left-footer was saved by Al Khaldi in two attempts.

Kuwait came out after the break more determined to change the result and they pressed forward as the Omanis retreated to defend their slim lead.

But they had to wait until the 81st minute when a fast counter attack sent Fahad Al Hamad clear on the left flank and he crossed to Al Rashidi who placed the ball home for the equaliser.

But Kuwait's jubilations were cut short as Oman scored the match-winner only three minutes later.

Following a fast move Badr Al Maymani passed to Hashim Saleh who had replaced injured Al Housni eight minutes earlier. Saleh unleashed a spectacular volley from 40 metres to find the net behind the advancing Kuwaiti custodian.