Riyadh: Oman missed out on a place in the Arabian Gulf Cup 27 final after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to the UAE in a closely contested semi-final on Saturday evening.
The UAE, coached by Zlatko Dalić, entered the knockout clash after finishing top of Group B with seven points, having recorded victories over Yemen and Bahrain before drawing 1-1 with Qatar. UAE Pro League
Tarik Sektioui’s Oman, meanwhile, reached the last four after finishing level with Iraq on four points in Group A.
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With the two sides also tied on the relevant sporting criteria, a draw of lots determined Oman as the group runners-up and secured their semi-final berth.
The semi-final began at a high tempo as both teams looked to seize control, but it was the UAE who made the breakthrough in the 22nd minute.
Ousmane Camara rose inside the six-yard box to head home a Mamadou Coulibaly cross following a corner, giving the UAE a 1-0 advantage.
Oman attempted to respond before the interval but were unable to find the equaliser, sending the UAE into half-time with their narrow lead intact.
The second half brought one of the game’s biggest moments when Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini conceded a penalty after a foul on Luanzinho inside the area.
However, Al Mukhaini immediately made amends with a crucial save, diving to his right to deny Nicolás Giménez and keep Oman within one goal of the UAE.
The Emiratis continued to threaten as the match entered its closing stages. Richard Akonnor sent a left-footed attempt wide in the 73rd minute after an Ali Saleh cross from a corner, while Bruno Conceição also missed the target moments later following a delivery from Sultan Adil.
Oman pushed forward in search of a late equaliser but could not break through the UAE defence, with Camara’s first-half goal ultimately enough to decide the contest.
The defeat brought an end to Oman’s Gulf Cup 27 journey after a group campaign that included a 3-1 victory over Kuwait and qualification for the knockout stage in unusual circumstances following the tie with Iraq.
The UAE will now face hosts Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup 27 final. Saudi Arabia booked their place after defeating Qatar 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in the other semi-final. ARN News Centre
The final is scheduled to be played in Jeddah on October 6
