In a dramatic conclusion to the match at Khalifa International Stadium, Albulayhi's headed winner was first ruled out for offside and then given after a VAR check.

To add to the chaotic scenes, Oman initially thought the offside call had been upheld and tried to restart the game with a free-kick.

But when referee Shaun Evans pointed to the centre spot, it sparked a mass celebration among the Saudi players and substitutes in front of fans as it appeared they believed the full-time whistle had blown, causing an extended delay before the match could resume.

Oman had led through Salaah Al Yahyaei’s 14th-minute penalty and withstood sustained pressure from Saudi Arabia until Abdulrahman Ghareeb scored three minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

His brilliant individual goal in the 78th minute spared Saudi coach Roberto Mancini defeat in his team's opening Group F game.

Starting a run from outside the box, he showed speed to burst away from Oman captain Harib Al Saadi and then dancing feet to beat two players and sweep a low shot past goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.

Albulayhi's winner came in the sixth minute of stoppage-time when Ali Lajami flicked on a corner for him to head in from close range.

In the other Group F game, Supachai Chaided scored both of Thailand's goals in a 2-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan.

Thailand dominated at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium and could have scored twice early on when Supachok Sarachat hit the post and Suphanat Mueanta had an effort cannon off the crossbar.

Supachai made his team's superiority count in the 26th minute when he converted on the rebound after Bordin Phala's shot was saved by Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev.

He scored his second three minutes after the break with another close-range finish as Kyrgyzstan struggled to deal with a cross into the box.