By: Our Sports Correspondent in Doha
DOHA, QATAR – Oman delivered a final flourish in the FIFA Arab Cup yesterday, sinking Comoros 2-1 in a dramatic Group B clash held at the unique and now-famous Stadium 974 in Doha.
While the result, sadly for Omani fans, was not enough to propel them into the knockout stages, it was a memorable occasion for the venue itself, a spectacular piece of World Cup history in the making.
The Group B finale was effectively a farewell show for the incredible stadium, built entirely from 974 recycled shipping containers and a modular steel structure.
A genuine architectural marvel, the stadium is set to be dismantled and repurposed after the tournament, giving yesterday’s match an almost poignant air of sporting theatre.
Named after the number of shipping containers used in its construction—and also Qatar’s international dialing code—Stadium 974 has quickly become a fan favourite for its vibrant, industrial design and commitment to sustainability.
Its open-air construction provides a cooling breeze, a nod to future-facing, temporary sporting arenas.
The action on the pitch mirrored the electric atmosphere generated by the crowds for one last time.
Oman’s Issam Al-Subhi was the hero of the hour, netting a superb first-half brace.
He opened the scoring with a cool finish and then doubled the lead with a thunderous strike to send the fans wild in the steel-framed stands.
Comoros, however, weren’t ready to let the stadium-rocking party end early. They rallied with a spirited fightback, reducing the deficit through a powerful strike from Dine Nasuir Hamidou Ali in the second half.
The Comoros goal set up a tense final quarter in the temporary arena, but Oman’s defence held firm to secure the 2-1 victory.
While Oman finished third in the group and Comoros finished fourth, the real winner was the extraordinary structure that hosted the game. Stadium 974 goes out with a bang, leaving behind a legacy as a landmark of temporary, sustainable football design.
