Khalil Al Balushi stunned as Oman reach Gulf Cup 27 semi-finals

Oman commentator Khalil Al Balushi said he was still in disbelief after his country reached the semi-finals of Gulf Cup 27 through a dramatic draw following the conclusion of the group stage.

Oman appeared to have secured progress with a 3-1 victory over Kuwait in their final group match. However, Musab Al Shaqsi was shown a second yellow card after removing his shirt while celebrating his third goal, meaning Oman could not qualify directly.

The result left Oman level with Iraq on every deciding criterion, including fair play. A draw was therefore held after the match in the presence of representatives from both national teams.

Oman won the draw and advanced to the next round alongside group winners Saudi Arabia.

The unusual conclusion prompted a strong reaction from Al Balushi, who works as a commentator for Al Kass Channels. Speaking after Oman’s qualification, he said: “I am still in shock. I do not know, but thank God we qualified.”

He added: “I do not know how this happened. Let me return to the hotel and think about it so I can take in what has happened.”

Al Balushi continued: “Thank God we qualified. We needed this qualification, and from a psychological point of view it will be extremely beneficial.”

The reaction was shared by Al Kass Channels on 29 September 2026 in a video showing the commentator responding to Oman’s progress.

Oman had opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Iraq before suffering a 3-0 defeat by hosts Saudi Arabia in the second round of matches. They then defeated Kuwait 3-1 on Tuesday.

Iraq had beaten Kuwait 3-2 in their second group game, but lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia on the same night as Oman’s victory. Those results left the two teams level across the group-stage qualification calculations, with the draw ultimately deciding which side would join Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals.