AFC Asian Qualifiers
Al Sabhi's goal at Jordan’s King Abdullah II Stadium cancelled out Oday Kharoub’s first international goal for Palestine, giving Oman 11 points and booking them the last spot in the playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026
Palestine, a point behind Oman going into the match, signaled their intent as early as the fourth minute when Michel Termanini hit the bar with a stinging header that left Oman captain and keeper Faiyz Al Rusheidi rooted.
Both Ahmad Taha and Oday Kharoub then tried their luck with long range shots, with Aberdeen striker Oday Dabbagh making a spirited run towards goal in the 19th minute before losing the ball.
Oman’s first attempt at breaking the deadlock came in the 28th minute, when Rabia Al Alawi ran down the right from his own half and took on three defenders in the 18-yard box before ballooning his shot.
Both sides began running out of steam towards the end of the half, with Oman leaving the pitch with an edge in possession despite only having two shots at goal compared to their opponents' nine.
Group B: Palestine v Oman
Palestine again started the stronger side, and their efforts paid off in the 49th minute when Kharoub headed home at the near post off a corner by Adamhamza Kayed, who had come on after the break.
Oman were dealt another blow in the 73rd minute when Harib Al Saadi received a second yellow card for a foul on Hamed Hamdan.
Wessam Abou Ali had two chances in the last 10 minutes to double Palestine’s lead, but saw his first shot saved by Al Rusheidi and his second go just past the right post.
Issam then stepped up to send Oman into the playoffs after a foul by Taha on Muhsen Al Ghassani as Palestine suffered heartbreak right at the very end.


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