KUWAIT CITY: Two missed penalties by the UAE star Omar Abdulrahman – one in the 90th minute of play and the second during the penalty shootout – proved to be The Whites’ undoing and led to Oman edging the UAE 5-4 in the shoot-out to lift the Gulf Cup for their second time ever. Oman’s last win came in 2009.

The newly-crowned champions thus exacted sweet revenge for their defeat at the hands of the UAE in their tournament’s opening match and in the 2007 final.

Oman goalkeeper Faiyz Al Rashidi was the hero for his team as he denied ‘Amoori’ not once, but twice from the spot to steal the title in front of a packed house at the Jaber International Stadium in Kuwait City.

It was heartbreaking for the fans of the UAE to see their team’s best player miss not one but two penalties.

Abdul Al Muqbali, Saad Al Mukhaini, Ahmad Kano Said Salam and Mohsin Al Khaldi scored for Oman in the shootout.

The UAE’s Ali Mabkhout, Ahmad Barman, Esmail Ahmad and Mohammad Al Menhali were on target before Omar’s horrendous miss.

Omar’s first effort had been blocked by Rashidi in regulation time and then in the penalties, after the match was forced into extra time before the shootout to break the 0-0 deadlock.

The penalty in the 90th minute was awarded when Mabkhout was taken down by Mohammed Al Musalami.

Just before the UAE’s muffed penalty, Mabkhout missed a gilt-edged opportunity to put his team ahead when he fluffed as the ball sped across the goal.

Oman came close in the 72nd minute of the game when another move down the left saw Yahmadi end up kicking the ball off the defender and then back off himself, and out, for a throw.

A few minutes before, Omar was lucky not to be booked a second yellow for a dive during a tackle with Busaidi.

The second half was more open as compared to the first, with both teams having their chances to go ahead.

Oman had their best chance of the game in the 57th minute. Khaldi at the back post, as a shot was deflected out to him, headed it straight at the keeper instead of directing it into the net.

The UAE brought in Hammadi in place of Attas in the 64th minute, 10 minutes after they had brought in Barman to replace Mubarak Ghanim.

The first half ended a tight affair and if any team was looking likely to score, it was Oman, with Hajri once caught marginally offside as he found himself clear to score.

Oman had a larger share of possession in this half after a relatively slow start.

In the 34th minute, though, the UAE were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Menhali tripped over Suhail in the box. The referee said it wasn’t a foul.

Generous leadership

On the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Emirates airline operated a special A380 flight to Kuwait for the UAE supporters.

Emirates’ special A380 flight to Kuwait took off on Friday morning carrying over 500 passionate fans.

Fans were treated to UAE flag scarves upon check-in to wear ahead of kick-off and show their support.

The Abu Dhabi Media also arranged a special air flight for media professionals and literati to attend the final under the directives of Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hamad Bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Club, also ordered three special air flights to Kuwait.