Doha: Oman got their AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 qualifying campaign up and running, securing three points with a 1-0 win over Nepal in their opening Group A clash on Friday.
While an early goal from Yousuf Al Malki proved decisive, Oman squandered a number of chances to extend their lead, particularly in a dominant second half display.
The Omanis came into the tie as warm favourites, and took the lead when an overlapping Al Malki found space on the left hand side before beating Nepal goalkeeper Arpan Karki with an accurate low finish on 13 minutes.
Nepal held their own in the minutes that followed, although Oman came closest to finding the net before half-time, with Zahir Al Aghbari hitting the upright in the 34th minute.
After the break Oman assumed full control of the tie, but they were persistently thwarted in their search for a second goal, with Karki making a save to deny Muhsen Al Ghassani and then Al Aghbari, while Al Malki sent a thunderous long-range effort into the crossbar.
Qadhafi Al Mahruqi wasted another opportunity when he missed a free header in the dying minutes, but it had no impact on the end result, as Oman ensured they will go into Sunday's meeting with Afghanistan with three points under their belt.
Source: the-afc.com