Oman fell to Bahrain 2-1 in the final of the 2024-2025 Gulf Cup, held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Ardhiyah, Kuwait, marking their second consecutive runner-up finish.
The match, played on January 4, 2025, was eagerly anticipated, with Oman coming off strong performances throughout the tournament. They had been undefeated leading up to the final and had defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the semifinals.
Oman took the lead early when Abdul Rahman Al Mushaifri scored with a header from Ali Al Busaidi's cross just 17 minutes after kickoff. Despite their early success, Oman could not extend their advantage, missing several chances to double their lead.
The game took a dramatic turn in the latter stages of the match. Bahraini player Mohamed Marhoon won a penalty after being brought down by Jameel Al Yahmadi, which he converted himself in the 33rd minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Just two minutes later, Marhoon was involved again, delivering a dangerous cross inadvertently redirected by captain Mohammed Al Musallami, resulting in what would turn out to be the winning goal for Bahrain.
Reflecting on the painful defeat, Oman's captain Mohammed Al Musallami expressed his gratitude to the fans and his disappointment, stating, "Congratulations to Bahrain and unlucky for our team and fans. We gave our best on the field but lost focus in the last five minutes of the second half." He emphasized the lessons learned and the need for the team to build from this experience as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Midfielder Harib Al Saadi echoed his captain's feelings, thanking his teammates for their hard work and citing the team's initial strong performance. "I thank my teammates for their dedication and effort. Congratulations to Bahrain for the victory. We played great in the first half, but lost focus during two key minutes of the second half," Al Saadi shared, recognizing the pivotal moments which led to their undoing.
The defeat was not just about the match but also about missed opportunities according to forward Essam Al Subhi. He stated, "I personally apologize to all our loyal fans for the outcome. It’s disappointing to lead most of the match and then concede two goals so quickly." Al Subhi had previously scored three goals during the tournament and lamented the loss of the trophy, stating his desire to help the team achieve its goals. "My main objective was to help the team to win the championship. Personal achievements are secondary. We are focused on returning stronger for the FIFA qualifiers."
Despite the sting of the loss, the Warriors of Oman are resolved to transform this painful experience at the Gulf Cup as they look toward their qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team aims to channel the lessons learned from this tournament to bolster their performances moving forward.
With their eyes firmly set on future challenges, they are determined to make their mark and fulfill their aspiration of reaching the prestigious World Cup stage. The team and its devoted supporters remain hopeful for new beginnings as they move beyond this setback, ready to face the next opportunities head-on.