Oman soccer squad eye gold at Vietnam Asian Beach Games
Talib Hilal-coached Oman beach soccer team showed their true potential in an 8-2 semifinal victory over Afghanistan. In the final to be played on Sunday, the Sultanate’s squad will take on Japan
MUSCAT: Oman are assured of another medal at the ongoing fifth Asian Beach Games as the Sultanate’s beach soccer team defeated Afghanistan to book a place in the final in Danang, Vietnam on Friday.
The Sultanate squad, who are being coached by experienced Talib Hilal Al Thanawi, eased to an 8-2 victory over the Afghanistan to set up a title showdown with formidable Japan.
Oman, who are taking part in only four disciplines in the Asian event, have so far won just two medals - a gold and a silver - both
won by sprint star Barakat Al Harthi-led Omani athletes.
Talib’s boys medal will take the Sultanate’s tally to three with one more expected from Oman handball squad who have already made it to the semifinals on Thursday.
The Sultanate’s beach soccer team though already assured of a medal will surely be looking to go all out against Japan on Sunday and clinch the gold medal as they have shown their intent to attack in their semifinal win over Afghanistan.
Great comeback
It was a great comeback performance by Oman who began their campaign with a shootout defeat to Lebanon in their opening match o of the three-team group. But they bounced back to defeat regional rivals Qatar 4-2 in their next match to advance to the quarterfinals.
In the last eight match, they accounted for another strong team Thailand in a 4-1 victory.
In Friday’s semifinal, Talib’s boys showed their true attacking form to pump in eight goals against Afghanistan’s two with as many as seven players finding the net.
Yahya Al Araimi scored a brace while the other goals were scored by Munthir Al Araimi, Nooh Al Zadjali, Hani Al Dhabit, Abdullah Al Sauti, Musheil Al Araimi and Khalid Al Araimi.
A victory against Japan on Sunday will fetch Oman their second gold medal of the Asian Beach Games after having won the top honours in the inaugural edition organised in Bali, Indonesia back in 2008. In the second Games hosted by the Sultanate, Oman team settled for silver medal.
Handball team in semis
The Sultanate handball squad will also be aiming for a place on the podium as they take on Pakistan in the semifinal on Saturday.
On Thursday, Oman defeated hosts Vietnam by a 16-15, 16-12 margin to advance to the last four stage as Group B toppers and with an unbeaten record.
Meanwhile, Oman’s hopes in the beach volleyball competition ended on Thursday when Haitham Al Shuraiqi and Ahmed Al Hosni were beaten in their Round of 16 match 21-19, 21-14 by Indonesia’s Ade Candra Rachamacian and Gilang Radadhan.
Oman’s other pair of players Badr Al Subhi and Nooh Al Jalboobi challenge ended in Wednesday’s last 32 match.
Oman’s gold medal was won by Barakat Al Harthi when he won the 60m race on Tuesday and a day later, the spinter led the Sultanate’s relay squad to 4x60m silver medal.