Muscat: The tension is palpable as Oman’s national football team prepares to face Qatar in a critical Group A match at the 26th Gulf Cup on Tuesday at the Jaber Al Mubarak Stadium in Kuwait. The game is set to commence at 6:25 pm, local time in Oman.
This encounter presents a pivotal opportunity for Oman, under the guidance of coach Rasheed Jaber, to assert their claim for a place in the semi-finals.
Both teams come into this match with equal points, having drawn their opening games 1-1—Oman showing commendable performance against the hosts, Kuwait, while Qatar settled for a draw with the UAE. A win for Oman would significantly enhance their chances of advancing to the semi-finals, whereas a less favorable outcome could complicate their journey in this highly competitive group.
During the pre-match press conference on Monday, Jaber expressed confidence in his team's preparedness and mindset.
“The match will be intense, and we believe we can secure a victory against Qatar to earn the three points. We recognize the challenges ahead, but our determination and mental strength will guide us,” Jaber stated.
He underscored the necessity for his players to remain calm and focused throughout the match.
Oman demonstrated their tenacity in their opening game, equalizing just eight minutes after conceding a goal to Kuwait. Striker Essam Al Sabhi netted the vital equalizer, while goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini made several crucial saves to maintain the draw.
Jaber acknowledged the importance of these performances but emphasized the need for the team to enhance their tactical and mental acuity in preparation for the match against Qatar.
Omani midfielder Abdullah Fawaz shared his coach's perspective, stating, "We have moved on from the first match and are entirely focused on the upcoming game. The opportunities are balanced, and as players, we are committed to winning and claiming the first three points."
Key player Salah Al Yahyaei is anticipated to be fit for the match, with Jaber emphasizing his significant role in the team's dynamics. However, the absence of striker Mohsen Al Ghassani will be noticeable, necessitating tactical changes to fill the gap.
For Qatar, under the guidance of Spanish head coach Luis Garcia, the aim will be to recover from their initial draw. In his second match in charge, Garcia recognized the difficulties faced by his team but expressed optimism about their capacity to regroup and enhance their performance.
"The interval between matches is brief, but we need to rectify our errors and capitalize on the positives," Garcia remarked.
Historically, Qatar has had a strong record against Oman, winning 19 out of their 34 meetings and remaining unbeaten since 2009.
With all teams in Group A tied on one point each, the second round of matches on Tuesday could be crucial in determining the semi-final contenders. Oman’s final group-stage game is scheduled against the UAE on December 27, while Qatar will take on Kuwait.
A victory for either team on Tuesday would provide a significant advantage in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive group.
Possible lineups:
Oman: Ibrahim Al Mukhaini; Amjad Al Harthi, Ahmed Al Khamisi, Mohammed Al Musalami, Ali Al Busaidi; Harib Al Saadi, Jameel Al Yahmadi; Zahir Al Aghbari, Abdullah Fawaz, Arshad Al Alawi; Essam Al Sabhi.
Qatar: Meshaal Barsham; Tarek Salman, Homam Al Amin, Bahaa Ellethy; Assim Madibo, Ahmed Fathy, Abdulaziz Hatem, Pedro Miguel; Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Yusuf Abdurisag.
