VAR drama as Saudi Arabia roar back to beat Oman at Asian Cup

Saudi Arabia’s defender #05 Ali al-Bulaihi scores his team’s second goal during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group F football match between Saudi Arabia and Oman at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on January 16, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

Roberto Mancini’s Saudi Arabia fought back from a goal down to defeat Oman 2-1 in the dying seconds at the Asian Cup on Tuesday, but only after some VAR confusion.

Also in Group F, Thailand beat Kyrgyzstan 2-0 with Supachai Chaided scoring both goals.

The ambitious Saudis beat eventual champions Argentina in the group phase of the 2022 World Cup and returned to Qatar as one of the favourites for the regional tournament.

They are seeking a record-equalling fourth continental crown, off the back of a big-money recruitment drive that has lured global stars such as Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo to the kingdom’s domestic league.

Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2034 World Cup.

Their opening match at the Asian Cup started badly — and finished in farcical scenes in front of a crowd of 41,987.

Australian referee Shaun Evans gave a penalty for a trip on Oman’s forward Muhsen Al-Ghassani, having checking the VAR screen.

Salaah Al-Yahyaei converted to give lower-ranked Oman a surprise lead after 14 minutes.

Oman sat back for the remainder of the first half, but Saudi Arabia failed to apply any serious pressure.

After the break the Saudis continued to huff and puff, but had only registered two shots on target by the hour mark.

As the clock ticked down and jeers began to ring out from the Saudi fans, the men in green needed a moment of magic.

And that was what they got, substitute Abdulrahman Ghareeb — only on the pitch three minutes jinking his way through the Omani back line before