Saudi Arabia reach Gulf Cup 27 semi-finals after emphatic Oman victory

Saudi Arabia became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup Gulf Cup 27 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman in Jeddah.

The result on Saturday took Saudi Arabia to six points at the top of Group A, two ahead of second-placed Iraq, with one group match still to play.

Saudi Arabia took control early at Alinma Stadium and opened the scoring after 11 minutes. Firas Al-Birakan met a cross from Saleh Abu Al-Shamat with a header that found the net.

The home side doubled their advantage seven minutes later, with Hassan Kadesh heading in another delivery from Abu Al-Shamat, this time from a corner.

Al-Birakan added his second goal and Saudi Arabia’s third in the 34th minute. He exchanged passes with Sultan Mandash before sending a powerful shot beyond the reach of the Oman goalkeeper.

Oman appeared to have pulled a goal back two minutes later when Nasser Al-Rawahi went through one-on-one with Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. However, the effort was ruled out for offside.

Saudi Arabia continued to dominate after the interval and created several further opportunities, but their players were unable to add to the three goals scored in the first half.

The victory confirmed their place in the last four and made them the first side to secure qualification from the group.

Oman’s position is now significantly more difficult. They remain third with one point and must beat Kuwait in their next match on Tuesday to have any chance of progressing.

Even a victory would not be enough on its own. Oman also need Iraq to lose to Saudi Arabia at the same time, while overturning the substantial goal difference separating the teams.