Asian Cup 2015: Oman defeat Kuwait 1-0 in uninspiring game in Newcastle
OMAN ended their run of outs at the Asian Cup, defeating Kuwait 1-0 at Hunter Stadium in a dull affair that saw just four shots fired on target all game.
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OMAN ended their run of outs at the Asian Cup, defeating Kuwait 1-0 at Hunter Stadium in a dull affair that saw just four shots fired on target all game.
A 69th minute header from Abdul Aziz Al-Maqbali was enough to give Oman the win and some hope in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Al-Maqbali made the most of the space he was given at the near post to get on the end of the cross from substitute Mohamed Alisiyabi and put it past Kuwait keeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoor.
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The goal came against the run of play after Kuwait had started the second half the brighter of the two teams, creating several chances, but ultimately failing in the final third.
Indeed it was Kuwait who had the better of the majority of the match.
For 69 minutes they looked anything but the 125th-ranked team in the world as they laid siege to Oman’s left side defence.
Kuwait couldn’t find the net, and there was no bigger culprit than defender Fawad Alhajeri.
In the 33rd minute Alhajeri ghosted in at the back post unmarked and had an uncontested volley which he hit harmlessly over the bar of Ali Al Habsi in the Oman goal.
While that was the best chance of the first half it took 57 minutes for a shot to be struck on target.
After Al-Maqbali scored the game turned and Oman dominated the next 10 minutes of play.
Al-Maqbali had two more missed chances and Oman defended their way to victory
Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Oman defeat Kuwait 1-0 in uninspiring game in Newcastle
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