Doha, December 5 (QNA) - The Moroccan and Omani national teams played to a goalless draw on Friday at Education City Stadium in their second Group B match of the Arab Cup FIFA Qatar 2025, which runs until December 18.
With this draw, Morocco now has four points, while Oman earned their first point in the group.
Morocco played with ten men after their striker and captain, Abderrazak Hamdallah, was sent off in the 52nd minute. This allowed Oman to capitalize on their numerical advantage and rely on counter-attacks to keep Morocco pinned back in their own half.
The first half was of average quality from both sides. Oman had the first real chance through Jameel Al Yahmedi, whose powerful shot from outside the box went over the bar in the sixth minute. Morocco then took control of midfield, and Walid El Karti almost gave coach Tarik Sektioui's team the lead with a shot that was saved by the Omani goalkeeper in the 15th minute.
Morocco had several opportunities to score through Abderrazak Hamdallah and Karim El Berkaoui, but the Omani defense remained vigilant for the remainder of the first half.
In the second half, seven minutes after the restart, following a challenge between Abderrazak Hamdallah and Mosaad Al Shaqsi, the Moroccan striker received a red card, leaving his team to play with ten men.
There were no further clear-cut chances for either side, with the exception of a header in the 89th minute from Marouane Saadane following a corner, which went just wide.
The match ended in a goalless draw.
In the third and final round of this group, Oman will meet Comoros, while Morocco will meet Saudi Arabia in a match that could be decisive in determining who qualify for the next round. (QNA)