India disgraced in defeat

Ahmed Mubarak, the livewire of the Oman team, hit the target in the 26th and 48th minutes. Striker Mohamed Mubarak too came up with a brace 61st and 88th, while striker Amad Ali Hosni 12th was the other scorer. Oman8217;s famed defence of captain Al Noobi, Said Suwaleim, Fouzi Doorbeen and Naufali held them in good stead and they failed just once and donated a penalty which midfielder Renedy Singh converted for India8217;s solitary reply in the 14th minute.

The midfield let India down with lack of cohesion and imagination. The strike force of Baichung Bhutia and Abhishek Yadav was almost totally cut off for passes albeit Bhutia was enterprising in patches on his own. However, Abhishek let coach Stephen Constantine down with his ill-timings and slow movements.

Oman had the better of the opening exchanges. Ahmed Mubarak8217;s weak grounder set the tone for the action that was to come. Al Hosni opened the account with a deft header off a free kick from Hassan Gheilani, leaving goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee stranding.

Indians struck back a couple of minutes later when Bhutia, latching on to a long lob from Renedy, was tripped by defender and Oman skipper Al Noobi. And Renedy was bang on target after Malaysian referee Denny Heng awarded a penalty.