Thailand hold Oman to a goalless draw

MUSCAT: Oman’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 were dented when they were held to a goalless draw by Thailand in a Group F match on Sunday.

The 0-0 draw, however, boosted Thailand’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage as they collected one point to take their tally to four while the Red Warriors earned their first point from two games.

Thailand now take on three-time champions Saudi Arabia, their final group stage opponents while the draw means Oman’s hopes hang in the balance with the West Asian side to play Kyrgyz Republic in their concluding tie. A win in their concluding tie will boost Ivankovic’s side to qualify.

The top-two sides from six groups along with four third-best teams will make it to the last-16 round.

A win for Saudi Arabia against Kyrgyz Republic later in the night will ensure Saudis and Thais book their berth in the last-16.

While Thailand showed slightly more initiative in the early minutes of the game, both teams began the match with a measured approach and avoided too many offensive forays. The War Elephants had their first chance when a 15th minute corner kick from Teerathon Bunmathan was powerfully headed towards the Oman goal by defender Elias Dolah. However, the attempt was cleared to safety by midfielder Abdullah Fawaz after being initially punched away by goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.

Oman began to find their footing, Issam Al Subhi receiving Jameel Al Yahmadi’s cross at an opportune position inside the box but had his left-footed shot to the centre of the goal blocked by Thai goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungneon.

 The West Asian side closed the half strongly but couldn't find a breakthrough as they took the stalemate into the break.

A more determined Thailand side took the field in the second half and there a window of opportunity opened when Suphanat Mueanta intercepted an overhead cross from Oman’s Arshad Al Alawi and charged forward into the Oman box but was met by the steely figure of defender Ahmed Al Khamisi.

Almost immediately after, Oman skipper Harib Al Saadi tore through the Thai defence but despite warding off as many as four white shirts, had his attempt blocked by the Thai custodian.

The Branko Ivankovic-led Oman came to life as the clock hit the 70th minute and began to pile pressure on the Thai defence line, most notably with Khalid Al Breiki’s free-kick finding Al Subhi inside the six yard box but his attempt to poke the ball into the Thai net was deftly parried away by the goalkeeper.

Oman’s frustration grew as the minutes ticked away and when the final whistle was blown, it was Thailand who were clearly the happier of the two sides.