JEDDAH: Oman completed a remarkable escape to reach the semifinals of the Arabian Gulf Cup 27 on Tuesday, surviving elimination on the pitch before a draw of lots ultimately sent the Reds through at Iraq’s expense.

Oman’s qualification came at the end of a dramatic night in Group A that saw Tarek Sektioui’s side fight back from a goal down to beat Kuwait 3-1, while hosts Saudi Arabia handed them the result they needed with a 2-0 victory over Iraq.

Those results left Oman and Iraq locked on four points — and, extraordinarily, still inseparable after the tournament’s tiebreak criteria were applied. A draw of lots was eventually required, with Oman emerging as the second team to qualify from Group A alongside Saudi Arabia.

For much of the night, however, Oman appeared to be heading out of the tournament.

The Reds entered their final group match with just one point from two games and knew victory over Kuwait was essential to keep their campaign alive.

Their task became even harder after just six minutes when Shabaib Al Khaldi put Kuwait ahead.

Oman went into halftime trailing, but the match was transformed in the second half.

Nasser Al Rawahi brought Oman level in the 65th minute before striking again in the 81st to complete his brace and put the Reds ahead.

Three minutes later, Al Rawahi turned provider, delivering a set-piece for Musab Al Shaqsy to head home Oman’s third and complete a stirring 3-1 comeback.

Attention then turned to the other Group A match, where Saudi Arabia defeated Iraq 2-0.

The combination of results meant Saudi Arabia finished top of the group with nine points, while Oman and Iraq were tied on four in the battle for the second semifinal berth.

What followed was an extraordinary tiebreak scenario.

Oman and Iraq had drawn 1-1 when they met earlier in the tournament and finished the group stage level on points, overall goal difference, goals scored and their head-to-head record. Even their disciplinary records were identical, with both teams finishing on eight yellow cards and no reds.

In a remarkable twist, Al Shaqsy’s celebration after scoring Oman’s crucial third goal against Kuwait contributed to the deadlock. He removed his shirt while celebrating and was booked, leaving Oman level with Iraq on disciplinary points.

With no further tiebreak criterion able to separate the two sides, the final semifinal place had to be settled by a draw of lots.

The draw went Oman’s way
The result confirmed the Reds as Group A runners-up and sent them into the semifinals, while Iraq were eliminated in one of the most unusual conclusions to a group stage in Gulf Cup history.

Oman’s qualification completes a stunning turnaround for a side that entered the final round with just one point and then found themselves a goal down against Kuwait.

Three second-half goals kept the dream alive. Saudi Arabia’s victory opened the door. And when nothing could separate Oman and Iraq, the draw of lots provided the final twist.