Iraqi Abdulkareem scores their first goal from the penalty spot.
Doha: Substitute Hasan Abdulkareem struck a last-gasp goal as Iraq held Oman to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group A opener at the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday.
Oman were cruising towards victory following a penalty kick by Salah Al Yahyaei in the 78th minute, before referee handed a spot kick to Iraq after VAR consultation in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Abdulkareem made no mistake to ensure a point for Iraq.
While the teams were unable to score in best part of the match, the tie produced intriguing action from both the sides throughout the game.
Not much separated the two sides at the half-time with Oman taking advantage in ball possession. Under interim coach, Zeljko Petrovic, Iraq managed to find spaces but was on target only once in their nine attempts in the first session.
Oman were good in patches and managed to trouble Iraq goalkeeper Fahad Talib twice with hits on target.
Iraq moved closer to taking the lead in the last few minutes of the first half, with Alaa Abbas getting an opportunity to volley the ball in but his hit went wide, with six minutes left in the first half.
From Oman, Amjad Al Harthi attempted to score two minutes before time but failed to break the deadlock. Iraq’s Mohammed Qasim also had his strike averted after he found target off a free kick as players went into the half time without a goal.
The second half started in a similar fashion with both the teams exchanging attacks.
At an hour-mark, Mario Tokic called three fresh legs from the Omani dugout, hoping for a goal with Petrovic also making three substitutions 10 minutes later.
Oman got the opportunity to score when Iraq’s Hasan Raed was penalized with a penalty kick for stopping Al Harthi as he raged inside from the right flank.
Al Yahyaei scored the opener comfortably, beating Talib with a hit in the right corner.
Al Harthi’s goal few minutes later following a free kick was disallowed after the midfielder was declared offside, a minute after Petrovic made two more substitutions, looking to bounce into the match.
Iraq continued to push for an equaliser but Oman remained stubborn in defense and continued to pose threat for Iraq defense with counter attacks.
However, Iraq finally got an opportunity, winning a penalty in the fourth minute of stoppage time after referee consulted the VAR.
There was more drama as substitute Aymen Hussein’s push was blocked by Ahmed Al Rawahi but the referee allowed a retake as the goalkeeper moved early.
Abdulkareem then salvaged a point for Iraq, beating Al Rawahi with a clean hit.
Iraq will now meet Bahrain at the Al Thumama Stadium on December 3 in their second group match while Oman will take on hosts Qatar the same day at the Education City Stadium.
