Australia, who returned to winning ways after beating Vietnam on Matchday Seven, almost got off to a perfect start when Trent Sainsbury headed home Aaron Mooy’s free-kick, only for the effort to be ruled offside. 

Oman, needing a win to stay in contention for third place, responded by attacking in  numbers. 

Their aggression was, however, punished with Boyle beating the offside trap in the 14th minute to collect a long-range cross, only to be brought down by goalkeeper Faiyz Al Rashidi in the box. Jamie Maclaren neatly converted the penalty to give Australia the lead. 

Branko Invakovic’s Oman were undeterred and continued with their attacking game but their best chances of the first half came through Abdullah Fawaz and Amjad Al Harthi whose efforts were easily dealt with by Australia ‘keeper Mat Ryan. 

A poor clearance a minute from the break almost proved costly for Oman but Tom Rogic’s strike from inside the box deflected off Matez Saleh’s boot, much to the home side’s relief. 

Oman started the second half on the front foot and tested the Australian defence in the 49th minute when substitute Mahmood Mabrook curled in a cross into the final third, but Muhsen Al Ghassani sent his volley wide. 

The West Asians, however, were not to be denied as a counter attack in the 54th minute saw an unmarked Fawaz let loose a strike into the top right corner for the equaliser. 

Stung, Australia surged forward with Maclaren and Sainsbury coming close in the 60th and 69th minutes as Oman found themselves pressed back. 

The Omani defence crumbled under pressure in the 79th minute when Mooy got at the end of substitute Craig Goodwin’s cross, finishing with a superb strike to put the Australians back in front. 

Oman, however, were not to be denied a share of the points with Fran Karacic penalised for a foul on Al Ghassani in the box three minutes from time, with Fawaz making no mistake from the spot.

Australia face a must win game against Japan on March 24 while Oman travel to Vietnam.