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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Three-time winners Saudi Arabia, riding a first-half brace, knocked defending champions Oman out of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup with a 3-1 defeat in Doha on Monday.
The second win helped Saudi Arabia finish on top of the topsy-turvy Group B with six points. They were followed by Bahrain, who secured four points and managed to qualify for the semis. Two-time champions Oman also had four points but their goal difference (-1) proved costly. Ten-time winners Kuwait, who began well with a superb 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, were on the bottom with three points.
Saudi Arabia only needed a minute to have their first look at the Oman goal, with captain Salman Al Faraj testing rival goalkeeper Fayez Al Rusheidi with a thunderous drive.
Saudi Arabia continued pressing and Al Rusheidi was beaten in the 26th minute when Salem al Dawsari sent a neat pass to Feras Albrikan, whose shot grazed the underside of the crossbar before settling in the net.
Saudi Arabia doubled their lead three minutes before the break when Hatan Bahabri scored with a powerful shot, with the ball taking a deflection off Oman defender Mohammed Al Musalami.
Oman pulled a goal back in the 55th minute with Al Mandhar Al Alawi finishing a solo effort with a powerful drive past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Fawaz Al Qarni. However, Oman’s joy lasted only two minutes as Saudi Arabia scored their third goal when Feras Albrikan sent a pass inside the area to Bahabri, who curled a left-foot shot from the right side past the goalkeeper.
DOHA
Three-time winners Saudi Arabia, riding a first-half brace, knocked defending champions Oman out of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup with a 3-1 defeat in Doha on Monday.
The second win helped Saudi Arabia finish on top of the topsy-turvy Group B with six points. They were followed by Bahrain, who secured four points and managed to qualify for the semis. Two-time champions Oman also had four points but their goal difference (-1) proved costly. Ten-time winners Kuwait, who began well with a superb 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, were on the bottom with three points.
Saudi Arabia only needed a minute to have their first look at the Oman goal, with captain Salman Al Faraj testing rival goalkeeper Fayez Al Rusheidi with a thunderous drive.
Saudi Arabia continued pressing and Al Rusheidi was beaten in the 26th minute when Salem al Dawsari sent a neat pass to Feras Albrikan, whose shot grazed the underside of the crossbar before settling in the net.
Saudi Arabia doubled their lead three minutes before the break when Hatan Bahabri scored with a powerful shot, with the ball taking a deflection off Oman defender Mohammed Al Musalami.
Oman pulled a goal back in the 55th minute with Al Mandhar Al Alawi finishing a solo effort with a powerful drive past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Fawaz Al Qarni. However, Oman’s joy lasted only two minutes as Saudi Arabia scored their third goal when Feras Albrikan sent a pass inside the area to Bahabri, who curled a left-foot shot from the right side past the goalkeeper.
