ISLAMABAD, Aug 16: Badar al-Maimani struck twice on Wednesday in Oman's convincing 4-1 victory over Pakistan in a Group C Asian Cup qualifier.

Striker Al-Maimani was on target, converting a 14th minute penalty kick for Oman.

Amad al-Hosni doubled the lead in the 27th minute when he slammed in a fine pass from Al-Maimani that deflected off Pakistan goalkeeper Jaffar Khan into the net.

Al-Maimani again put the ball into the net in the 35th minute when he utilized Hassan al-Gheilani's pass from close range as Oman led 3-0 at half-time.

Pakistan reduced the margin when its key striker Mohammad Essa converted a 79th minute penalty kick before Ismail al-Ajmi scored Oman's fourth goal in injury time.

Pakistan has lost all its three games in Group C that also includes the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The Asian Cup finals will be held from July 7 to 29 next year, to be jointly hosted by four countries — Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.—AP