Oman sack manager Branko Ivankovic following AFC Asian Cup 2023 exit

Oman has only advanced to the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup once, back in 2019.

The Oman Football Association has announced the departure of Branko Ivankovic, their Croatian manager, following their 1-1 draw with Kyrgyz Republic in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup 2023. Branko Ivankovic had been managing the side since 2020. Under his tutelage, Oman pulled out a historical win against Japan during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

Oman were drawn into Group F alongside Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the Kyrgyz Republic. They locked horns with the Falcons in the opening tie of their AFC Asian Cup campaign which they eventually lost 2-1. Oman took the lead early in the first half after Al-Yahyaei scored from the spot. In the 78th minute, Abdulrahman Ghareeb got the equalizer for Saudi Arabia. Ali Al Bulayhi’s late winner for the Falcons in the closing minutes of the game made it worthwhile.

In the continental showpiece, Oman faced the War Elephants next. Both teams shared spoils as the game ended in a stalemate at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Oman’s recent group stage match was against the Kyrgyz Republic.

Early in the eighth minute of the play in the first half, Oman scored to take the lead following a chaotic header from Muhsen Al-Ghassani. They didn’t let up until the 80th minute when Kyrgyz’s Joel Kojo managed to net the ball home past the Oman goalkeeper. The Oman national football team have now failed to get past the group stage hurdle of the AFC Asian Cup four times.

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