4 days ago
Oman hold Kyrgyzstan in International friendly
MUSCAT: The Oman U-23 Olympic football team earned a 1-1 draw against the hosts Kyrgyzstan in their second match of the underway four-nation international friendly tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The competitive fixture took place at Dostuk Arena in Besh-Kungey on Sunday, with both teams sharing one point after a tough encounter.
Kyrgyzstan opened the scoring in the 17th minute through forward Iskandarbekov, who managed to capitalize on a defensive error and fired a low shot into the net. The hosts maintained their lead through much of the match despite Oman creating several opportunities in both halves. The first half ended for the hosts leading by 1-0. In the following half, Oman's persistence paid off in the closing stages, as midfielder Loqman al Hadidi equalised in the final ten minutes at 82nd minute after receiving a well-placed ball inside the box and then Loqman The draw meant Oman reached to four points following their victory over Bahrain by 1-0 in the opener. Kyrgyzstan earned their first point in the tournament as they suffered to a 2-1 defeat against Syria in the opening match.
In the other match on Sunday night, Bahrain and Syria also played out a 1-1 draw continuing the trend of closely contested matches in this friendly tournament. Syria took the lead through Hasan Dahan, who curled in a superb free-kick in the 69th minute. But Bahrain equalised deep into stoppage time as substitute Issa Abdullah converting a penalty to earn a dramatic draw.
The final round of matches will take place on Wednesday as Oman set to face Syria in a highly anticipated encounter that could decide the top team of the tournament. Bahrain will play Kyrgyzstan in the other match scheduled on the same day.
Oman's participation in this event is part of their structured preparation for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, which will be held in September. Oman is placed in Group F alongside Iraq, Pakistan, and hosts Cambodia, with matches scheduled between September 1 to 9. The tournament in Bishkek served as an crucial test for coach Badar al Maimani and his squad as it will be helping them to build chemistry, test tactics, and gain critical international match exposure ahead of the continental assignment.
