Sudan players celebrate their victory against Libya yesterday.
Doha: Sudan yesterday edged Libya 1-0 in an exciting play-off and celebrated their berth at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 in style at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium.
Mohammed Abdelrahman scored the winner from a spot kick in 15th minute followed by some desperate attempts from Libya to score an equaliser.
Yesterday’s victory, watched by passionate fans, put Sudan alongside hosts Qatar, Iraq, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Algeria in the tournament’s final phase to be played from November 30 to December 18.
Last night at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue, Sudan started the match in a dominating fashion and were awarded a penalty following a late challenge by Ali Salama on Seif El-Din Malik.
Abdelrahman assumed responsibility and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with a calmy dispatched spot-kick.
Libya created many opportunities in search of a goal but they missed execution as Sudan held on bravely to their narrow advantage.
Today, Oman will be eyeing a spot in the main round when they will meet Somalia in the second play-off at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The winner of the match will confirm a place in Group
A along with hosts Qatar, Iraq and the winner of Bahrain versus Kuwait play-off.
Coached by Branko Ivankovic, Oman – ranked 80 in the FIFA rankings – will start as favourites against World No.197 Somalia. But Ivankovic’s side will not take the opponents lightly.
“We have to respect our opponents in this important,” Ivankovic told a virtual conference yesterday.
“The team is eager to qualify for the main stage FIFA Arab Cup, which will be a matter of pride for the players,” he added.
Oman have shown good form recently, finishing the Asian Qualifiers as runners-up in Group E behind FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar.
Oman captain Abdulaziz Al Muqbali hoped the team will continue its fine run in today’s match.
“Our fans expect us to qualify for this unique tournament and we will do everthying to live up to their expectations,” he told reporters yesterday.
For Somalia, today’s match is an oppurtunity to showcase their skills at a big stage. “We would like to thank Qatar for giving us this opportunity. Oman is a big side and it is a difficult challenge for us. But, I am hopeful that the players will give their best,” said Somalia manager Said Abdel Haibeh.
Somalia captain Abdulasmad Abdullahi said: “We will represent our country in a best possible way. We are prepared for the match."
