Iraq edge Oman in a hard-fought Asian qualifying match

MUSCAT: Youssef Amyn's first-half strike proved decisive for Iraq as they returned to winning ways after overcoming hosta Oman 1-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Amyn’s goal helped Iraq move to 11 points - three behind Group B leaders South Korea (14 points). The defeat for Rashid Jaber's men meant they stay fourth in standings with six points, two points behind Jordan, who were on action later on Tuesday against Kuwait.

The home side were the early aggressors with Abdullah Fawaz trying his luck from distance off a set-piece situation, only to see his effort blocked.

Iraq, who only picked up a point from their previous two games, thought they had taken the lead in the 15th minute when Merchas Doski sent a through ball to Aymen Hussein, who advanced into the box before netting, only to be flagged offside.

Fawaz should have scored for Oman in the 27th minute when he gained possession inside the box after Zaid Tahseen’s poor clearance, but the midfielder pulled his effort wide.

Iraq should have done better in the 32nd minute when Ali Jasim floated the ball into the box for Ahmed Yasin, who failed to connect with his header at the far post.

The goal finally arrived for Iraq in the 36th minute when Jasim weaved his way into the box before laying the ball for Ahmed Yasi, who cut the ball across for Amyn to finish from close range.

Oman could have gone into the break on level terms, but Thani Al Rushaidi could not get his header on target in stoppage time.

Iraq started the second half on the front foot and almost doubled their lead in the 50th minute off Zidane Iqba’s free-kick found Hussein, whose header agonisingly struck the bar.

Oman threatened two minutes later with Abdul Rahman Al Mushaifri seeing his effort blocked from just above the box, while Mohsin Al Ghassani struck his header right into the arms of Iraq keeper Ahmed Basil.

Hussein wasted a chance to extend Iraq’s lead just before the hour mark after redirecting Hussein Ali’s cross into the path of Oman custodian Faiz Al Rusheidi but it didn’t matter as they held on for the three points. 

Iraq will face Kuwait on Matchday Six while Oman face a tough encounter against South Korea.