Ali Mabkhout’s timely goal boosts UAE past Oman in third place play-off

Securing the consolation prize in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is incentive enough for Mahdi Ali to start preparing for the Asian Cup in January.

UAE celebrate Ali Mabkhout’s goal in the Gulf Cup of Nations’ third-place play-off game against Oman in Riyadh last night. Courtesy Al Ittihad

RIYADH // The UAE secured third place at the 2014 Gulf Cup after a low-key, 1-0 win over Oman before another small crowd at Prince Faisal Stadium in Riyadh.

Both teams were understandably downcast after Sunday night’s semi-final defeats and managers Mahdi Ali and Paul Le Guen used the match to give some of their fringe players an opportunity to play.

Oman almost scored after five minutes when Saeed Al Ruzaiqi’s header from a corner was tipped around the post by reserve UAE keeper Khalid Essa, who was getting a taste of the action as Ali Kasheif was rested.

The UAE’s Ali Mabkhout, who was subdued by Saudi Arabia in a 3-2 loss in the semi-finals, was lively up front and clearly looking for more goals to secure the tournament’s top-scorer award. Rashid Essa, drafted in on the right side of a four-man midfield, also impressed in the early stages.

After half an hour, each team had two attempts on goal. Although the UAE were starting to come into the match, Ali Al Habsi had yet to record a single save.

That changed three minutes later, when a swerving, long-range shot by Khamis Ismail was helped onto the post by Al Habsi.

As the first half drew to a close, Ismail Al Hammadi, the man who scored the winner in last year’s final for the UAE, limped off and was replaced by Mohamed Abdulrahman.

It was disappointing end to the tournament for Al Hammadi, who had been the UAE’s best player in the opening match against the same opposition, but had failed to impose himself in this one.

In the second half, Abdulrahman brought a measure of composure to the UAE’s play, but no clear-cut chances were being created by either side.

Just before the hour mark, the match threatened to tilt Oman’s way before immediately swinging decisively the UAE.

First, a Mohammed Al Siyabi cross was blazed over the bar by Juma Darwish, and within seconds, Abdulrahman played in Mabkhout on the edge of the box. A right-footed shot gave the UAE the lead and the Al Jazira striker his fifth goal of the competition.

Oman almost equalised in the 73rd minute when Essa saved Hussain Al Hudari’s firm header, diving to his left to prevent what looked like a certain goal.

Le Guen’s men were increasingly dominating possession, with the UAE players dropping deeper and deeper as fatigue began to take a toll.

With five minutes left, Oman almost saved the match when Abdelaziz Al Muqbali broke through, only to be thwarted again by the Essa.

Al Habsi, perhaps playing his last Gulf Cup match, conceded the match was a quiet affair. “I’d like to congratulate the UAE on their win, but as you saw, the performances and effort were never going to be up to the highest level after playing the semi-finals and then this match so close together,” he said. “It wasn’t the match that everyone wanted.”

Both teams now turn their attention to the AFC Asian Cup in January.

REPORT CARD

Star performer – Khalid Essa

Three outstanding saves and was consistently a safe presence behind an occasionally shaky defence.

Underperformer – Ismail Al Hammadi

He was one of the UAE’s best players in the group match against Oman, but here he struggled to impose himself on the game, and injury forced him off on 40 minutes.

Key moment

The match turned in the 59th minute when Juma Darwish missed an easy chance to give Oman the lead. From the goal kick, the UAE raced to the other end, and Ali Mabkhout scored the only goal of the match.

UAE rating - 7/10

Missed the creativity of their best player, but performed well enough over the 90 minutes to deserve their victory.

Oman rating – 7/10

Had three clear chances, but came up against an inspired Khalid Eissa in the UAE goal. Late pressure almost paid off.

Our verdict

Both teams were clearly tired from their semi-final exertions, and with many reserves given a run out, it was an evenly contested match that often lacked cohesion. The UAE missed the creativity of Omar Abdulrahman and though Oman put them under pressure in the final minutes, they secured third place.

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