Al-Nassr winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb helped Saudi Arabia claim a sensational comeback victory in their opening game of the Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia kicked off their 2023 Asian Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Oman on Tuesday evening.
The Green Falcons had a disastrous start to the game as they conceded early on before they turned things around in the second half.
Head coach Roberto Mancini made vital changes after the break bringing on Al-Nassr’s Abdulrahman Ghareeb to try and break down Oman’s low defensive block.
The 26-year-old did just that and grabbed the equaliser only three minutes after his late introduction, using his quick feet to create space in the box before slotting home Saudi Arabia’s first goal of the night.
With Saudi Arabia piling more pressure on Oman, Ghareeb stepped up to take a 98th-minute corner as his delivery was deflected into the path of Ali Al-Bulayhi who headed the winner.
The win secured three vital points for Mancini’s side in Group F before they face Kyrgyzstan on Sunday, January 21st.
Mancini delighted with the victory
“We deserved the win tonight,” Mancini said in the press conference after the game. “There were two or three mistakes at the start but we managed to turn things around and that’s what matters.
“In the second half, we were much better and had more control. Oman defended really well and they made it harder for us to create chances.
“Pressure? I didn’t feel any today. After 45 years as a player and coach, I am used to it and it’s normal for me,” he added.