Amman: Palestine entered the decisive group stage encounter needing nothing less than victory, while Oman only needed a draw to progress. Tensions were high from kickoff, with both sides wary of conceding early in what was billed as the most crucial tie of the final group round.

The first half saw Palestine come closest to a breakthrough when Michel Termanini’s powerful header rattled the crossbar. Oman responded with a few chances of their own, including a strike by Rabia Al Alawi, but failed to convert. The cagey half ended goalless, with both teams heading into the break with everything still to play for.

Palestine turned up the intensity after the interval. Just four minutes into the second half, substitute Adam Kaied provided the assist for Oday Kharoub, who headed in the game’s only goal, giving Palestine the advantage they desperately needed.

Oman struggled to regain composure and momentum, appearing fatigued and disjointed as Palestine took control. Their task became even harder when Harib Al Saadi received a second yellow card, reducing Oman to ten men in the final stretch.

Despite some late resistance and a crucial save by the Omani keeper, Oman failed to find an equaliser. Palestine held firm until the final whistle, but at the death with a minute left, Palestine give away a golden opportunity to Oman to equalise and from the spot, Issam Al Sabhi tucks one in to give Oman a shot for glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the draw, Palestine loses their shot to claim the final spot in the next round of qualifiers, as Oman keep their 2026 World Cup hopes well and truly alive.