Oman defeat Kuwait to claim first Asian Cup victory in 11 years

Updated: May 17, 2023, 01:24 am
Abdul al Maqbali ensured that Oman ended their 2015 Asian Cup campaign on a high.
Ashley Feder/Getty Images

Oman secured their first Asian Cup victory in almost 11 years and third place in Group A in the 2015 edition with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait in Newcastle on Saturday.

Abdul al Maqbali scored in the second half in a game between eliminated teams, with South Korea and Australia having already secured quarterfinal berths from Group A.

The match between the Gulf rivals appeared to be heading towards the tournament's first draw. That was until al Maqbali produced a powerful header to break the stalemate in Group A game with only pride at stake.

It was Oman's first win at the Asian Cup since the 2004 edition in China.

Around 7,000 fans watched the game at the Hunter Stadium.

Both teams had lost 1-0 to South Korea and conceded four goals each against Australia in their earlier Group A matches.

Despite having 59 per cent possession and more than 17 shots, Kuwait couldn't add to the one goal they scored in the first 10 minutes of their opening match against Australia in Melbourne on Jan. 9.

Oman will end the tournament with three points from three matches. Kuwait also finished bottom of their group with no points at the last Asian Cup in 2011, won by Japan.