UAE got off to a bright start with Rashed Yaqoub scoring with the first kick of the ball when he struck from the centre of the pitch to the top right corner of Oman’s net.

Oman tried to respond in similar fashion through Khalid Al Oraimi but UAE keeper Younis Al Owaisi easily blocked his effort.

The Emiratis looked more likely to score with each passing minute with Kamal Ali sending a looping drive from distance over the bar in the 11th minute before Ali Mohammad just failed to find the target on the turn moments later.

Oman, however, responded in stunning fashion at the start of the second half with Mushel Al Araimi teeing up Khalid Al Oraimi, who scored much like UAE’s opener with goalkeeper Mohamed Abdulla rooted.

The action came thick and fast with both sides jostling for the upper hand with Yahya Al Muraiki, putting Oman in front when he cooly slotted home from a set-piece situation in the 22nd minute.

UAE almost equalised a minute later through Walid Mohammad, who had his shot palmed away by Younis Al Owaisi but the keeper couldn’t deny the Emiratis much longer as Rashed Yaqoub scored his second goal from the spot in the closing stages of the half.

Oman turned up the tempo in the third half with Sami Al Bulushi netting in the 26th and 27th minutes thanks to assists from Khalid Al Oraimi.

The onus was on UAE to find their way back into the tie but their chance never came as Oman held on to seal the win.