Islamic Games: Oman stun Turkey, stay on course for semis

Sports Thursday 11/May/2017 15:16 PM
By: Times News Service
Islamic Games: Oman stun Turkey, stay on course for semis

Muscat: For the second match in succession, Oman came up with a stunning display to shock Turkey for a come-from-behind victory in the football competition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, Azerbaijan on Thursday.
The well-deserved 3-2 victory helped Hamad Al Azzani-coached Oman under-23 side to take their points tally to four from two games in Group B.
In their opening group game against Palestine on Monday, Oman conceded the lead twice but fought back bravely to share the spoils with their rivals in a 2-2 draw.
According to information received here, Thursday’s game proved even tougher considering the Turkish side took a 2-0 lead into the break. But all credit to Al Azzani’s boys who with their never-say-die attitude fought till the end and kept their semifinal hopes alive with a stunning victory.
The Turkish side went ahead just before the half hour mark through a fine goal by Melih Okutan.
Though Oman kept fighting, they failed to find the target till the end of the first session.
On the other end, Turkey scored their second goal through Oguzhan Kayar in the first-half injury time.
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After resumption though Oman started dictating terms and exerted pressure on their rivals with a series of attacks.
They were finally rewarded for their hard work when Ahmed Al Matroushi found the target in the 58th minute.
Encouraged by the goal, Oman continued with their attacking game and it was matter of time they scored the equaliser, which ultimately came in the 64th minute thanks a opportunistic strike by Salah Al Yahyaei.
Thanks to their persistent attacks, Oman earned a penalty in the 73rd minute which a calm and composed Mohsin Al Ghassani successfully converted to ensure full points for Oman squad.
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Oman now take on Algeria in their final group game on Monday. The top two teams will qualify for the semifinals which are scheduled for Thursday.
The bronze and gold medal matches will take place on Sunday.
The Islamic Solidarity Games will be officially inaugurated on Friday.
Meanwhile Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) informed that OOC Vice-Chairman Shaikh Saif bin Hilal Al Hosani and Omani delegation head Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishry, who is also the Secretary-General of the OOC, will attend the opening ceremony.
Omani athletes will also be seen in action in athletics, tennis, taekwondo and shooting.