Saudi Arabia starts with a bang
Dhaka, October 25: Saudi Arabia started their campaign of the AFC U-19 group A qualifiers with a 4-0 win over Oman at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday.
Oman was reduced to ten men in the 24th minute as goalie Juma Al Maawali was sent off for handing the ball outside the box. Forward Saleh scored a brace and midfielder Al Safari scored goal each for the winners.
The match started in an even note but Oman never regained the rhythm after their red card debacle. The Saudis gradually stamped their authority and enjoyed a winning start.
Juma Al Maawali came forward to meet a long ball in the 24th minute but missed the flight and in a desperate attempt to clear the ball from Saudi forward Al Muwallad handled the ball outside the box. Iranian referee Jahanbazi Yadollah instantly flashed the Red Card to Maawali.
Saleh put Saudi Arabia ahead in the 43th minute tapping a low cross of right winger Omar past second choice Oman goalie Ahmed Faraz.
Midfielder Al Safari struck the second in the 64rd minute and it was cracker from 30 yards that crashed in the far post net.
Saleh scored his second in the 75th minute after Ahmed Faraz parried a grounder of substitute midfielder Nawaf but had no answer when Saleh took the rebound and hit the roof of the net from six yards.
Saudi skipper Bassas scored from the penalty to make it 4-0 in the injury time after Oman defender Al Siyabi brought Al Sherriri down in the box.
Saudi Arabia play their next match against hosts Bangladesh on Saturday.