Saudi Arabia clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Oman on day two of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, thanks to a decisive second-half strike from Saleh al-Shehri. After Firas al-Buraikan opened the scoring in the 55th minute, Oman responded through a sharp header from Ghanim al-Habashi in the 70th. With the match finely balanced, al-Shehri produced a clever deflection from a flank cross in the 77th minute to secure the win for Hervé Renard’s side at Education City Stadium.

Oman, coached by Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz, delivered an aggressive attacking display and created several chances throughout the match. Despite their spirited effort, Saudi Arabia held firm in the closing stages to claim all three points. Oman will next face Morocco on Friday at Education City Stadium, while Saudi Arabia will meet Comoros the same day at Al Bayt Stadium.

In Group A action, Kuwait held Egypt to a thrilling 1-1 draw at Lusail Stadium. Although Egypt dominated possession and tempo for long spells, it was Kuwait who struck first when Fahed al-Hajeri powered in a header from a corner in the 64th minute. Egypt had earlier squandered multiple scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty by Amro Elsoulia in the first half and several close attempts denied by standout Kuwaiti goalkeeper Suod Alhoushan.

The showdown intensified late in the match as Alhoushan-hero of the night-was sent off in the 83rd minute after committing a foul on Marwan Hamdy. Substitute goalkeeper Sulaiman Abdulghafour faced the resulting penalty, which Mohamed Afsha calmly converted to level the score. Kuwait will now take on Jordan on Saturday, while Egypt prepare for their next challenge against the UAE.