MUSCAT : The game kicked off with South Korea’s Lee Kang-in testing Oman’s goalkeeper Al Mukhaini with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box. Al Mukhaini made a vital save, standing tall under pressure. However, Oman struggled to keep possession, allowing South Korea to apply relentless pressure.

South Korea’s breakthrough came through a stunning long-range shot from Hwang Hee-chan, assisted by Heung-Min Son, which rattled Oman’s defense. Despite Al Mukhaini’s best efforts, Oman’s backline was fragile.

When the odds seemed stacked against Oman, Ahmed Al Khamisi brought his team back with a powerful header that deflected off South Korea’s captain, levelling the score as the first half came to a dramatic close.

In the second half, Oman fought hard to keep their World Cup dreams alive, with a VAR check saving them from a potential penalty scare. But the tension mounted as Oman faced another blow, with Al Khamis stretchered off due to injury.

Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Son delivered a brilliant left-footed effort from outside the box, and a right-footed shot from the bottom left corner by Joo Min-Kyu to make it 3-1, securing victory for South Korea in the final moments with having to then defend it for another long 16 minutes of extra time. Now looking ahead, Oman will face Kuwait next month in their continued quest for the 2026 World Cup.

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