Doha: Saudi Arabia fended off Oman 2-1 in a thrilling Group B clash to kick off their FIFA Arab Cup campaign with a victory at Education City Stadium on Tuesday.
It was a high-octane match from start to finish, with both teams creating plenty of action. Feras Albrikan gave Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia the lead in the 55th minute after a goalless but absorbing first half.
Ghanim Alhabashi equalised for Carlos Queiroz’s Oman in the 70th minute, before substitute Saleh Al-Shehri scored the winner for the Green Falcons seven minutes later.
Captain Salem Al-Dawsari, who was phenomenal throughout, provided the assist for both Saudi goals.
Coach Renard said Saudi Arabia will continue to fight with the same spirit.
"We faced a tough and experienced team, and we succeeded in achieving victory thanks to our experience. We will continue our journey until we win the title," he said.
The game began at a fast pace, with Al-Dawsari heading wide from a looping cross from the right as Saudi Arabia looked to make early inroads. Oman’s first attempt came shortly after the 15th minute, when Ali Al-Busaidi’s angled strike from a set-piece on the right narrowly missed the target.
Saudi Arabia continued to press, but Oman’s defense remained resolute. Oman also enjoyed some good possession spells in the fast-paced first half, yet Saudi Arabia largely controlled the tempo.
Mohammed Kanno’s shot from outside the box was stopped by Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini with a diving effort just after the half-hour mark. Al-Mukhaini then denied Saleh Abu Alshamat from close range, keeping the score level.
Oman responded with Nasser Alrawahi’s powerful long-range effort, which Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi saved, and Issam Alsabhi’s follow-up goal was ruled offside as an absorbing first half ended in a stalemate.
Al-Busaidi’s curling strike from the right threatened to find the net early in the second half, but Alaqidi rose well to palm it away.
Saudi Arabia then quickly responded, with Saleh Abu Alshamat unleashing a powerful long-range shot that went over the bar. Aiman Yahya also tried his luck with an angled effort from Al-Dawsari’s assist, but it sailed high.
Al-Dawsari finally helped his side break the deadlock. The Asian Player of the Year delivered a perfect cross to Albrikan, who rose to head the ball into the right corner from close range.
Oman fought relentlessly, while Saudi Arabia relied on quick counter-attacks. Alaqidi punched away Ahad Almashaikhi’s free kick, but Oman eventually equalised from a corner, with Thani Alrushaidi heading the delivery to Alhabashi, who calmly slotted home the leveller.
Al-Dawsari continued to threaten, hitting wide at one point, but he also played a key role in Saudi Arabia regaining the lead. Picking up a long ball, he found Al-Shehri, who scored from a precise cross to put his side ahead again.
Al-Dawsari nearly scored himself when his shot struck the right post, and he later failed to beat Oman’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one chance. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia held on to secure full points from a thrilling encounter.
Saudi Arabia will next face Comoros on Friday, while Oman meet Morocco on the same day.
