Oman edge Malaysia to lift beach soccer title in China

Talib Hilal-coached Oman defeated Malaysia 5-4 to take the top honours with an unbeaten record

MUSCAT: Overcoming a stiff challenge from Malaysia, Oman emerged the champions of the CFA Belt and Road International Beach Soccer Cup on Sunday.

In a closely-contested final match of the round robin league tournament, organised in Chinese port city of Haikou, Oman defeated a battling Malaysia 5-4 to take the top honours.

For the champions, Abdullah Al Sauti and Jalal Al Sinani struck two goals each while Noah Al Zadjali scored one.

Talib Hilal-coached Omanis, in fact, emerged the champions with an unbeaten record in the fourteam invitational tournament.

Talib’s boys had started their campaign in the championship with an equally thrilling 3-2 victory over Afghanistan on Friday.

In their second match played on Saturday, the Omani routed hosts China by a 6-0 margin.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan defeated hosts China by 1-0 margin on Sunday to take the second place while Malaysia had to settle for the second place.

Individual honours

The Omanis also bagged two individual honours with Abdullah Al Sauti adjudged the best player and Yahya Al Araimi lifting the top scorer’s trophy.

The Sultanate’s comprised Hilal Al Araimi, Jalal Al Sinani, Mandhar Al Araimi, Amjad Al Hamdani, Abdullah bin Masood Al Sauti, Sherif Al Balushi, Noah Al Zadjali, Hamoud Al Touqi, Yahya Al Araimi and Haytham Al Omrani.