MUSCAT, APRIL 26
The Oman national hockey team continued writing chapters of brilliance after securing a spot in the final of the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup, handing Bangladesh their first loss in a dramatic semifinal match that ended 5-4. The thrilling encounter took place at the hockey stadium in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.
The "Omani Red Warriors" are now set to face Chinese Taipei in the final on Sunday evening.
Oman started the match with clear dominance, applying early pressure on Bangladesh’s defence. Adnan al Hassani came close to scoring the opening goal. In response, Bangladesh attempted to get back into the game with a few timid efforts that posed no real threat to the outstanding Omani goalkeeper, Ibrahim al Farsi. In the 8th minute, Aliyas al Noufli succeeded in opening the scoring with a precise shot after a brilliant team move in midfield.
Oman maintained control of the game while Bangladesh tried to exploit counter-attacks. From a penalty corner in the 13th minute, Shohanur Sobuj equalised with a powerful low shot. Before the end of the first half, Ammar al Shuaibi almost restored Oman’s lead from a dangerous penalty corner, but Bangladesh’s defence managed to block it skillfully. The first half ended with a 1-1 draw.
At the beginning of the second half, Oman intensified their pressure and earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalise. Bangladesh responded with a swift counterattack, where Ashraful Islam scored their second goal in the 24th minute. Despite falling behind, Oman didn’t back down. They kept pressing and soon equalised through Rashad al Fazari, who converted a penalty corner in the 27th minute.
Oman continued to dominate and in the closing moments of the second quarter, Fahad al Lawati capitalised on a defensive blunder to score the third goal, ending the quarter with Oman leading 3-2.
At the start of the third quarter, Aliyas al Noufli doubled the lead with a fourth goal, following a brilliant assist from Khalid al Shuaibi. Bangladesh temporarily improved their performance, with Obidul Joy narrowing the gap with a stunning goal in the 38th minute. However, Rashad al Fazari quickly restored Oman’s two-goal cushion by scoring a beautiful fifth goal in the 44th minute.
The fourth quarter was filled with excitement. Fahad al Lawati had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Oman’s defence withstood Bangladesh’s heavy pressure, but Bangladesh was awarded a penalty stroke after another VAR review, which Shohanur Sobuj successfully converted in the 51st minute.
Despite Bangladesh's relentless attempts to equalise, Oman’s players remained resolute and defended skillfully to secure a hard-fought 5-4 victory, booking a place in the grand final with high hopes of clinching the title.
Aliyas al Noufali Awarded the best player in the match, Khalid al Shuaibi said From the start, "our goal was to reach the final and compete for the title. Now, we are just one step away, and while the toughest challenge awaits, we trust in our skills and experience." He praised the coaching staff for their technical and mental preparation, emphasising the team's strong focus and responsibility.
Al Shuaibi also expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support received from the Oman Hockey Association, stressing that the continuous care and encouragement from the officials gave the players a strong morale boost. “This has made us even more determined to give our absolute best on the field,” he said.
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