Friday 15 / November / 2024
Muscat: Mohsin Al Ghassani was Oman's hero as he slammed the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0win over Palestine in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Thursday.
The win revived the Red Warriors' campaign, with the West Asian side moving up to six points while Palestine remained on two.
Both teams went into the game needing victory to revive their hopes.
The match, however, got off to a slow start with Oman's Nasser Al Rawahi the first to have a sight on goal in the seventh minute but the forward sent his effort from the right side of the box wide.
Palestine had to wait till the 24th minute for a look on goal but Oday Kharoub skied his effort from just outside the box.
Ahmed Al Khamisi had a chance to put Oman ahead in the 29th minute but the defender's shot lacked the pace and power to trouble Palestine goalkeeper Rami Hamada, who easily fielded the ball.
Palestine responded with their first shot on target two minutes later with Wessam Abou Ali's left footed shot from outside the box easily gathered by Oman custodian Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.
The visitors went even closer in the 33rd minute, Wessam Abou Ali rising high to head Mus'ab Al Battat's cross towards goal but Al Mukhaini pulled off a full stretch save to keep the tie level going into the break.
Having seen Palestine close the first half strongly, Oman, coached by Rashid Jaber, had to respond when the match resumed but the hosts continued to struggle.
In fact, it was Palestine who looked the more likely to score and goalkeeper Al Mukhaini had to be alert to deny Wessam Abou Ali in the 69th minute.
The custodian was at his best two minutes later as he stopped attempts from Zeid Qunbar and Abou Ali.
Palestine, however, began to visibly tire and Oman capitalised on this to see adopt a more aggressive approach.
A fast break in the 83rd minute saw Issam Al Sabhi surging forward, with substitute's shot smothered by Hamada only for the ball to fall kindly for Al Ghassani to tap home for the winner.
Oman meet Iraq in Muscat on Tuesday while Palestine play group leaders South Korea.
