RIYADH: The Qatar national team reached the Gulf Cup final with a 3-1demolition of Oman on Sunday after the winners had conceded an early goal at King Fahd International Stadium.

Oman opened the scoring through Raed Saleh in the 24th minute on Sunday but Qatar hit back with a Hassan Al Haydos penalty in the 36^th minute and then a double from Ali Asad (59 and 67) to seal the win.

Oman dominated the proceedings as Qatar started the game on jittery note. However, Qatar picked up the pieces after Saleh found the net in the 24th minute.

Qatar won a penalty when Meshal Abdullah was brought down by Oman goalkeeper with a rough challenge. Al Sadd’s Hassan Al Haydos promptly scored from the penalty spot.



Later in the second half, Asad became the hero of the night, scoring from close range after the ball had hit the goalpost on both occasions.

After the game, Abdullah said: “All the players showed good teamwork and a tough spirit against Oman. Thank God we held our nerve and produced the goods.”

The final will be played on November 26.