MUSCAT : The game started with Lee Kang-in testing Oman’s keeper Al Mukhaini, making a brave right-footed shot from outside the box. Al Mukhaini stood tall, making a vital save. However, Oman struggled to maintain possession, losing the ball quickly and allowing South Korea to press hard.

South Korea’s breakthrough came after a stunning long-range effort by Hwang Hee-chan, assisted by captain Heung Min Son. With every attack, South Korea looked sharp, causing Oman’s defence to scramble under pressure. Al Mukhaini, working overtime, repeatedly kept Oman in the game, but their defence appeared fragile.

A glimmer of hope emerged for Oman when Al Yahmadi came close with a right-footed shot inside the box, but the miss left Oman’s chances dwindling.

Then, when the tide seemed irreversible, Oman clawed their way back. Ahmed Al Khamisi delivered a powerful header that deflected off of South Korea’s captain after a well-placed free kick, stunning the South Korean side and levelling the score as the first half ended.

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