Ali Al-Habsi questions Oman forward after shirt removal almost costs semi-final place

Oman forward Musab Al-Shaqsi was criticised by former goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi after his celebration against Kuwait left his side needing a draw to reach the Gulf Cup 27 semi-finals.

Oman beat Kuwait 3-1 on Tuesday in the final round of Group A, but Al-Shaqsi’s decision to remove his shirt after scoring the third goal in the 84th minute resulted in a yellow card that changed the qualification picture.

Oman needed victory over Kuwait and a defeat for Iraq against Saudi Arabia to secure a semi-final place. That combination occurred, but the yellow card for Al-Shaqsi meant Oman and Iraq were level on every relevant criterion: four points each, the same number of goals and an identical fair-play record.

The tournament organisers therefore had to use the final qualification method available to them – a draw. The decision angered many Oman supporters and several former players, who blamed Al-Shaqsi for putting the team’s progress at risk.

Speaking during Abu Dhabi Sports Channels’ analysis of the match, and before the draw took place, Oman legend and former goalkeeper Al-Habsi expressed his frustration with the celebration.

“You scored a very beautiful goal, with a big celebration, and then you take off your shirt!” he said.

Al-Habsi said Al-Shaqsi had done everything well until that mistake. Other members of the analysis team also discussed the incident, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding it.

Oman had come from a difficult position in the group, with many people expecting Iraq and Saudi Arabia to advance to the semi-finals. The yellow card appeared to have undone the advantage Oman had worked to establish with its result against Kuwait.

After reviewing the referee’s report and confirming that Oman and Iraq were tied across all the qualification criteria, the Gulf Cup 27 organising committee held the draw.

Oman won the draw and claimed the semi-final place.