JEDDAH: Oman kept their Gulf Cup campaign alive with a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Kuwait at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday, with Nasser Al Rawahi scoring twice before Musab Al Shaqsy sealed the win late on.

The Reds entered their final group-stage fixture knowing only a victory would give them any chance of progressing after collecting just one point from their opening two matches. Oman had drawn 1-1 with Iraq before suffering a 3-0 defeat to hosts Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait, however, struck first through Shabaib Al Khaldi in the opening half, putting Oman under pressure and threatening to bring their Gulf Cup campaign to an early end.

Oman pushed for a response after the break and finally found the breakthrough in the 65th minute when Al Rawahi levelled the scores.

With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the Reds continued to attack and were rewarded again in the 81st minute when Al Rawahi struck for a second time to complete his brace and put Oman 2-1 ahead.

Just three minutes later, Al Shaqsy added a third to complete a remarkable turnaround and secure a crucial 3-1 victory.

The result lifted Oman to four points from three matches and left their qualification hopes dependent on the outcome of the other Group A encounter between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Saudi Arabia subsequently defeated Iraq 2-0, leaving Iraq and Oman level on four points.

However, Oman’s place in the semifinals was not immediately confirmed.

Oman TV reported after the matches that the organising committee of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup will conduct a draw between Oman and Iraq to determine which team advances to the semifinals.