Oman starts World Games journey with football win

By Divi S.

ABU DHABI 14 March 2019: The Special Olympics Oman team could not have asked for a better start to its Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 journey after beating Rwanda 8-0 today (13 March).

Competing in the 11-a-side competition at Zayed Sports City, Ali Al Anbouri was the star of the show after scoring five goals. Al Anbouri completed a hat-rick before half-time and added to his tally in the 51st and 58th minutes.

Khalid Al Alawi also found the target in the 13th minute while Mohammed Al Nabhini scored in the 43rd and 53rd minutes.

A total of 14 unified sides are playing in the World Games’ 11-a-side football competition, spread over four pools. Oman is in Group D alongside Austria and Rwanda. The football competitions are taking place at Zayed Sports City, with the final due to take place on 20 March.

Since making its debut at the World Games in 1986, football has become one of the largest sports on the program, featuring traditional and unified teams across the 11-a-side, 7-a-side and futsal competitions.

With more than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations set to compete between 14-21 March, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the largest sports and humanitarian event of the year.