Mogadishu (HOL) — Oman advanced to the main round of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 after defeating a determined Somalia 4–1 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, following a goalless draw across 90 tense minutes.

The Red Warriors, led by renowned Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, held their nerve from the spot, converting all four attempts through Ali Al Busaidi, Nasser Al-Rawahi, Salah Al-Yahyaei and Mohammed Al Ghafri. Somalia, who matched Oman for intensity and defensive discipline throughout regular time, managed only one successful kick from Mohamed Omar, with Sak Hassan’s effort saved and Ali Musse missing a crucial attempt that opened the door for Oman to seal the qualification.

Somalia’s Ocean Stars, lining up in a disciplined 5-4-1 shape, frustrated Oman with a tight defensive block and quick counters. Captain Abdulsamed Abdullahi nearly broke the deadlock with a long-range strike that forced a fingertip save, while two Olympic goal attempts from Somalia’s corners reflected growing confidence. Oman dominated possession but struggled to create clear scoring chances, with their closest effort coming in the 60th minute when a drilled strike skimmed over the bar.

The penalty shootout showcased the tactical maturity and experience gap between the sides. Oman displayed composure and technical assurance, while Somalia, still relatively inexperienced at this competitive level, lacked poise in decisive moments. Yet their performance earned admiration for resilience and structure rather than merely passion.

For Somalia, the match symbolized more than a qualification attempt. The Ocean Stars have rarely enjoyed true home advantage due to security concerns, often forced to play "home” games in neutral territories including Cameroon, Ghana, Ethiopia and Djibouti. The National Stadium in Mogadishu, once occupied by Al Shabab and declared an "anti-Islamic” space when football was banned, has since been restored, becoming a symbol of the sport’s rebirth in the country.

The Ocean Stars, a mix of domestic and diaspora talent, included central defender Mohamud Ali, who also works as a driving school instructor, and 19-year-old goalkeeper Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein, representing a new generation aiming to carry Somalia back into competitive regional football.

Oman, meanwhile, move forward into Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Morocco and the winner of Yemen vs Comoros. Their youth development programs have long shaped their competitive profile, illustrated by a fourth-place finish in the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup, still their strongest international achievement.

Somalia exit the tournament, but their performance suggested a growing tactical identity, competitive mentality and belief, valuable assets in their path toward rebuilding a meaningful footballing future.

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