KUWAIT: With both Gulf rivals desperate to bounce back from frustrating draws, it was Oman who held their nerve, thanks to a 56th-minute winner by Issam Al Sabhi, who latched onto a precise cross from Amjad Al Harthi to slot the ball home.

The first half saw both teams struggle for rhythm. Kuwait came close early after an error from Omani keeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini gifted Khaled a golden chance, but the shot went begging. Oman lacked sharpness in the final third and missed opportunities to capitalize on their early possession.

As the game resumed after a goalless first half, Oman began to press harder. The breakthrough came when Al Sabhi, the team’s lead striker, coolly finished off a well-timed delivery, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.

Kuwait responded with back-to-back substitutions and ramped up the pressure. A moment of panic unfolded in the 67th minute when Thani Al Rushaidi conceded a penalty, only for VAR to overturn the decision, much to Oman’s relief.

The fourth official added 8 minutes of stoppage time, which kept Kuwait’s hopes of an equaliser alive.

Despite late surges from the hosts and several flashes of brilliance, Kuwait failed to break down Oman’s tight defense. Both sides registered equal shots, but Oman’s accuracy proved decisive.

The result leaves Kuwait winless in the third round and piles pressure on their remaining fixtures. Oman, meanwhile, is almost on their way to a crucial spot in the playoffs, keeping their hopes of a World Cup berth firmly alive.