The United Arab Emirates moved within a game of their second World Cup appearance with a 2-1 win against Oman in Doha on Saturday.
The Emiratis, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1990, had to work for their victory as late goals from Marcus Meloni and Caio Lucas sealed the three points at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The UAE now top Group A heading into Tuesday’s final round of matches, when a win against Qatar would earn a first World Cup appearance in more than three decades.
Oman took the lead after 12 minutes when Amjad Al Harthi rifled the ball home from Majed Hassan’s cross, which took a poor deflection off Kouadio Kouame before finding the back of the net.
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However, the UAE responded deep into the second half when substitute Ali Saleh whipped in a pinpoint cross for Meloni and finished with a thumping header past Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.
Not long after, substitute Caio Lucas sent a cross that evaded everyone and ended up in the UAE goal, shifting the balance in the hosts’ favour.
The UAE now leads Group A heading into Tuesday’s decider matches against Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, while Saudi Arabia remains in pole position in Group B to qualify, with each group winner qualifying for next year’s tournament.
Published on October 12, 2025
