Draw Decides Qualification in Gulf Cup
After all statistics between Oman and Iraq became equal and a player removed his shirt, a draw decided the semifinalist.
The semifinal match between Oman and Iraq in the Gulf Cup was left to a draw because all criteria were equal and an Omani player received a yellow card for removing his shirt during a goal celebration, with Oman advancing to the next round.
Events in Group Matches
In the Gulf Cup Group A matches, Oman faced Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia played against Iraq.
Saudi Arabia defeated visiting Iraq 2-0 to advance directly to the semifinals as the group leader.
Shirt Removal Penalty
Oman made it 3-1 in the 84th minute of the match against Kuwait with a goal by Al Shaqsy.
Al Shaqsy receiving a yellow card for removing his shirt during the goal celebration changed the entire tournament scenario.
Equalization of Statistics
Following the yellow card, the Oman and Iraq teams became completely balanced across all statistics.
Both teams had 4 points, 4 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, and eight yellow cards each.
Draw and Result
Because all criteria remained equal, a draw was held to determine the team that would advance to the semifinals.
As a result of the draw held at a hotel in Jeddah, Oman became the side to reach the final four.