January 25 – Both Kyrgyz Republic and Oman needed a win at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa stadium to stand any chance of going into the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup as one of the best third placed group teams.
The Omanis, who had previously drawn with Thailand and lost in the closing minutes against Saudi Arabia, looked to have secured the last 16 slot until a late Kyrgyz equaliser made the score 1-1 and ruined their dreams.
Instead Indonesia became the big winners and head into the knockout rounds.
Oman had started fast and with ambition, going ahead in the eighth minute when Muhsen Al Ghassani’s roundsmade their respective exits from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ after playing to a 1-1 draw in their final Group F tie at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Thursday.
Muhsen Al Ghassani found himself on the end of Jameel Al Yahmadi’s blocked shot to fire in.
Oman had the upper hand and looked as though they were in the mood for more. Just before half time they almost doubled their lead when Ahmed Al Kaabi’s free-kick but the attempt was cleared by Kyrgyz keeper Erzhan Tokotaev.
Kyrgyz Republic started the second half with more intent and looked to have equalised after Beknaz Almazbekov’s cross into the box was headed in by Joel Kojo, only to be overturned by VAR.
At the other end Oman were still creating opportunities with Al Ghassani, Abdul Rahman Al Mushaifri and Arshad Al Alawi all missing good chances. It was to prove costly.
In the 80th minute Kojo took advantage of a Khalid Al Braiki defensive error to snatch an equaliser.
A cruel blow for Oman, a face saving end to their Asian campaign for the Kyrgyz Republic.
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