Oman advanced to their second successive Gulf Cup final after a thrilling win against Saudi Arabia.

With both sides having squandered numerous chances earlier, Oman - reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when Al Mandhar Al Alawi was shown a straight red card - burst into life late in the game.

The breakthrough came in the 74th minute, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Arshad Al Alawi. Positioned outside the box, Al Alawi unleashed a powerful strike that broke through the wall of the Saudi defenders and past a diving goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.

With the momentum in their favour, Oman pressed forward. In the 84th minute, Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Ali Al Busaidi, who coolly slotted the ball into the net to double their lead.

Saudi Arabia refused to go down without a fight and reduced the deficit in the 87th minute through Mohammed Kanno.

Their hopes, however, evaporated following Abdulelah Hawsasi's red card in added on time.

Mohamed Jassim Marhoon was the star as 10-man Bahrain defeated hosts Kuwait 1-0 at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.

With the match evenly balanced, the turning point came in the 74th minute with Marhoon slotting in the winner.

Bahrain played with 10 men from the 51st minute following Mahdi Abduljabbar's red card.

Bahrain will be seeking a second title while Oman will be bidding for their third.