Thailand join Saudi Arabia in AFCON last 16 after goalless draw
Saudi Arabia, who had already guaranteed a round-of-16 spot, topped Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations after they were held to a goalless draw by Thailand while Oman failed to advance after a 1-1 draw with Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.
Oman finished with two points and Indonesia (three points in Group D) advanced for the first time with a better record as a third-placed team along with Syria, Palestine and Jordan.
Saudi Arabia will face South Korea in the last 16.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Saudi Arabia had a penalty taken by Abdullah Radif saved in the first half and though they dominated the game, with Thailand failing to have a shot on target, they were held in a result which sent both teams through.
Oman began to dream of qualifying for the last 16 when Muhsen Al Ghassani opened the scoring from a corner in a melee inside the six-yard box in the eighth minute.
But their hopes evaporated in the 80th minute when Kyrgyz forward Joel Kojo capitalised on a miscommunication between defender Khalid Al-Braiki and goalkeeper Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini to put the ball into an empty net.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Hee-Gon Kim