Oman draw with UAE to march into Gulf Cup semi-finals

MUSCAT- Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri's late equaliser against UAE for a 1-1 draw was enough to power Oman into the 26th Gulf Cup football Championship in Kuwait on Friday.

Oman joined hosts Kuwait from Group A after Kuwait also drew with Qatar to reach five points and finish tied with Oman.

On Friday, UAE's Yahya Al Ghassani struck first as he exposed Oman defence to blast the opener in the 20th minute.

Oman, coached by Rasheed Jaber, fought hard but failed to equaliser until interval.

In the post-interval, Al Mushaifri got the much needed equaliser in the 79th minute to help.Oman gain a point, enough for the Red Warriors to book a spot in the semis.

Oman topped the Group A based on better disciplinary record against Kuwait after both teams finished with 5 points each and with their match also having finished in 1-1 draw, the overall disciplinary record was taken into account to decide the group topper.

In Group B, Bahrain have already qualified and two-time Gulf Cup winners. Oman will have to wait for the runner up from the group to know their opponents in the semi-finals.

Both Saudi Arabia and holders Iraq are in fray for the other spot from Group B

Oman will play their semi-final on December 30.