Qatar Held by Oman in Goalless Group A Opener
There was nothing to separate Oman and Qatar, as the opening Group A match of the AFC Asian Qualifiers Fourth Round finished goalless.
In front of a near-capacity crowd at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, home of Al Sadd, the two sides kicked off their campaigns in an electric atmosphere.
A corner section of the ground was alive with the noise of Oman’s travelling supporters throughout, their chants led by a megaphone and a small but passionate group of fans. Qatar dominated both the attendance numbers and early possession, with only a long ball over the top and a brief moment of hesitation from goalkeeper Abunada offering Oman any encouragement.
Akram Afif’s ambitious long-range strike, blocked by the defence, was the only notable effort in the opening ten minutes as both sides sought to find their rhythm. Boualem Khouki then went close for Qatar, his powerful drive from distance flashing narrowly wide with Al Mukhaini beaten.
Mohamed Al Manai received Qatar’s first booking after a heavy challenge on Jameel Al Yahmadi, who required treatment before being replaced by Nasser Al Rawahi. Oman’s first real attempt came just before the half-hour mark when Issam Al Sabhi turned neatly and shot towards the top corner, only for Abunada to claim comfortably.
A lively run and nutmeg from Al Busaidi lifted the Omani fans again, but Qatar dealt with the resulting corner. After sustained Qatar pressure early on, Oman started to enjoy more possession and their confidence appeared to grow as the half wore on.
The opening 45 minutes produced few clear-cut chances and just one shot on target, leaving both Carlos Queiroz and Julen Lopetegui with plenty to consider at the interval.
The second half began with Qatar back on the front foot, searching for an opener.
Star man Akram Afif came close to breaking the deadlock, weaving past defenders before firing narrowly wide. Edmilson Junior soon tested Al Mukhaini with a low effort, the keeper saving comfortably.
As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Pedro Miguel rose highest to meet an inviting cross, glancing his header narrowly wide of the post. It was the home side who looked the more likely to find a breakthrough, with a series of late chances denied repeatedly denied by Al Mukhaini.
Both teams worked tirelessly but lacked a cutting edge on the night, settling for a point apiece to open Group A.
Al Annabi dominated possession with 70% of the ball but will be hoping to turn that control into goals when they face the UAE in their next fixture.
