MUSCAT : The match, held before a roaring crowd of over 26,000, showcased both teams’ grit and determination but ultimately saw Iraq prevail through Yousef Amyn’s first-half brilliance.

The match began with Oman pressing hard for an early breakthrough, but Iraq’s swift counterattacks kept the home side on their toes. In the opening minutes, Aymen Hussein of Iraq delivered an early scare, beating Oman’s keeper before being flagged offside. Heated exchanges followed, leading to yellow cards for Oman’s Harib Al Saadi and Iraq’s Hussein, signaling the high stakes and intensity of the game.

Iraq’s persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Amyn dazzled with a clinical finish, giving Iraq the lead. Despite quick passes and relentless pressure, Oman’s midfield struggled to penetrate Iraq’s resolute defense. A dipping cross from Iraq early in the second half almost extended their lead, rattling the crossbar to keep the Reds in the game.

Oman’s Arshad Al Alawi came closest to equalizing with a right-footed effort that flew high, while Iraq’s Muhanad Ali narrowly missed a chance to double the lead. Substitutions on both sides highlighted the tactical battle, but Oman’s desperate attacks failed to break Iraq’s composed defense.

The final whistle marked a significant blow for Oman, who now shifts focus to their Arabian Gulf Cup campaign against Kuwait in December. For Iraq, coach Jesus Casas’s strategy and the team’s resilience secured a vital victory, keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.