Sports

Oman wins Gulf Cup 5-4 on penalties against UAE

Oman’s goalkeeper Fayez al-Rusheidi (L) stops the ball after a penalty by the UAE’s player Omar Abdulrahman during the Gulf Cup of Nations 2017 final football match in Kuwait City on Friday. — AFP

KUWAIT CITY — Oman defeated the United Arab Emirates 5-4 on penalties in Kuwait on Friday take home the Gulf Cup for the second time in the history of the championship.

The 23rd Gulf Cup final at the Jaber International Stadium in Kuwait proved to be a thrilling encounter as the game went into penalty shoot after the two teams were goalless even after extra time.

Oman’s goalkeeper emerged the day’s hero by denying UAE’s star player Omar Abdulrahman twice - saving an 88th minute penalty and again in a match-winning save in the shootout.

During the shootout, with the score level at 4-4, Oman’s Mohsin Johar beat the UAE custodian Khalid Essa to ensure Oman squad the prestigious trophy for the second time.