Latest news with #AFCAsianQualifiers—Roadto26
Observer
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Subhi's late equaliser sends Oman to AFC playoff
MUSCAT: In a dramatic conclusion to their AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26 campaign, Oman secured the final playoff spot thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from striker Issam al Subhi, who converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to earn a crucial 1-1 draw against Palestine on Tuesday night at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman. Al Subhi's ice-cold finish in the 97th minute, after Mohsin al Ghassani was fouled inside the box, ensured Oman advanced to the playoff stage which will be held in coming October. The late draw kept Red Warriors hopes for qualifying to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The result saw Oman finish fourth in Group B with eleven points while Palestine on ten points bowed out in heartbreak. Oman and Palestine players in action Oman entered the match requiring only a draw to qualify while Palestine required a win to progress. Despite the pressure and playing with ten men for over twenty minutes following Harib al Saadi's red card, Oman showed resilience and tactical discipline to snatch the result in the dying moments. Palestine took the lead in the 49th minute when Oday Kharoub headed in a corner from substitute Adamhamza Kayed and sending the home crowd into raptures. The hosts had earlier looked the more dangerous side with Michel Termanini's header hitting the bar and several long-range efforts testing Oman's defense. However, despite going a goal and a man down, Oman kept their composure and their persistence was rewarded in stoppage time when a foul on substitute Mohsin al Ghassani handed al Subhi the opportunity to level the game and it was a moment he seized to dramatic effect. Oman player controls the ball FIGHTING UNTIL END Oman's head coach Rasheed Jaber praised his team's fighting spirit and ability to bounce back: ' We knew the match would be difficult for both parties and Palestine were very well organised and dangerous in the pitch. After conceding the goal and the red card, things became more complicated. But our players showed great spirit and didn't give up. I am proud of their effort and mentality.' He added 'This team deserves to be in the next phase. Now our focus turns to the playoffs. We are determined to continue our journey toward the 2026 Fifa World Cup.' He ended With the late draw earned, Oman's path to the 2026 Fifa World Cup remains alive. The playoffs in October will offer two more coveted spots for Asian countries and Oman will eye to capture on one of these tickets.
Observer
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman eye on playoff spot in the concluding round against Palestine
MUSCAT: Oman will eye to secure the last available slot for the playoff in group B as they will meet Palestine in a tight clash on Tuesday at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman city in the concluding round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26. The match will kick off at 10:15 pm (Oman time). With just one point separating the two sides, Oman sits ahead in the standings and requires only a draw to confirm their place in the next round of the qualifiers. Palestine, on the other hand, will be in a must-win situation as they aim to continue their historic run in their first-ever appearance at this stage of AFC World Cup Qualifying. Oman player during the training session The Red Warriors, under the leadership of head coach Rasheed Jaber worked very hard to close the chapter on their previous 3-0 defeat to Jordan last Thursday. The result which ended their hopes of automatic qualification. Training sessions since the team's arrival in Amman have been focused on tactical refinement and psychological readiness, with a clear goal to deliver a determined performance and secure passage to the playoff stage, where two additional tickets to the 2026 Fifa World Cup remain up for grabs. Coach Rasheed Jaber, who confirmed the final squad following Monday's training session, expressed confidence in his players: 'We are still in the race. Our focus now is fully on Palestine. I asked the players to give their best, maintain concentration and aim for the result that ensures our qualification,' Jaber said. Oman players during the training session Oman will be boosted by the return of Mohsin al Ghassani adding firepower to the attacking line. However, the team will be without the services of the experienced player Ali al Busaidy who was suspended due to card accumulation. Ahmed al Kaabi is expected to slot into the backline while Al Mundher al Alawi is likely to be deployed in midfield to strengthen Oman's core. Palestine arrived at this fixture in strong form following their earned back-to-back victories, including a crucial 2-0 win over Kuwait last Thursday. Head coach Rasheed Jaber C) and the coaching staff Head coach Ihab Abu Jazar will look to capitalize on that momentum and deliver another spirited performance. Oman's attacking midfielder Salah al Yahyaei emphasised the team's readiness. 'We have put the Jordan match behind us. Our full focus is on Palestine. Despite having two chances including victory or a draw, we are aiming to win. Palestine is a strong side, but we are prepared and we count on our fans' support.'
Observer
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Red Warriors resume final trainings ahead of Palestine clash
MUSCAT: Oman national football team resumed training in Amman city in Jordan ahead of their decisive Group B encounter against Palestine on Tuesday in the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26. The match will determine the final team from the group to reach the playoff stage, keeping hopes alive for a place at the Fifa World Cup 2026. Following their arrival in the Jordanian capital on Friday, the Red Warriors returned to the training pitch on Saturday night, beginning their recovery and tactical preparations. The team is scheduled to hold its final official training session on Monday at King Abdullah II Stadium, the venue of Tuesday's high-stakes clash. Currently sitting one point ahead of Palestine, Oman will enter the match with two possible paths to progression including victory or a draw that will secure their place in the playoff phase. For Palestine, however, only a victory will be enough to leapfrog Oman and continue their remarkable qualifying journey. Oman will enter the match with two possible paths to progression including victory or a draw that will secure their place in the playoff phase The last two days training in Amman saw Oman's coaching staff emphasise recovery drills, physical conditioning, and tactical formations tailored for Tuesday's encounter. Coach Rasheed has called for full focus and discipline from his players, underlining the importance of capitalising on their position and experience. Also, the coaching staff are working to find the best alternative player to cover the place of experienced Ali al Busaidy who will miss this essential match due to two yellow cards in the previous match while Bangkok United forward player Mohsin al Ghassani will be available in Palestine's critical match after an absence in the last game against Jordan. His availability will provide more strength in the attacking side as Oman's suffered to score in the previous encounter. Oman players during the last training session Oman's automatic qualification hopes came to an end following a 3-0 home defeat to Jordan on Thursday night in Muscat in a match where Jordan's striker Ali Olwan scored a memorable hat-trick to send his nation to the World Cup for the first time in history. Now, Rasheed Jaber's men must regroup quickly and deliver a result that keeps their dream alive through the playoff route. Palestine, making their debut at this stage of the AFC Qualifiers, impressed with back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win over Kuwait in the latter's home and will approach the clash with confidence and high momentum. The Iranian referee Mooud Bonyadifard will officiate the match between Oman and Palestine beside an assistant of Iranian umpiring team comprised from Redha Idroom and Farhad Marooji as assistant referrers and Bayam Haydri as fourth umpire.
