Muscat: Oman’s national football team, under the guidance of head coach Rasheed Jaber, is poised to reach their second consecutive final as they prepare to take on Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Tuesday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.
The match is set to kick off at 6:30 PM Oman time, with the Red Warriors eager to secure their spot in the final and move closer to claiming their third Gulf Cup title. Oman previously faced defeat against Iraq in the 2023 edition, having won the tournament in 2009 and 2017-18.
During the pre-match press conference on Monday, Jaber expressed confidence in his team's capability to perform under pressure, despite facing injury challenges and notable absences.
“We are prepared for this pivotal match against Saudi Arabia, a team with a rich footballing history,” he stated. “Our objective is straightforward – to advance to the final. Such matches are often determined by minute details, and my players need to maintain focus and be mentally engaged from the start to the finish.”
Oman’s path to the semi-finals has been characterized by resilience. The team topped Group A, achieving a 2-1 victory over Qatar and securing hard-fought 1-1 draws against both Kuwait and the UAE. Notably, Oman demonstrated their tenacity by coming from behind in each of these encounters.
Jaber recognized the difficulties presented by the absence of key players, including Amjad Al Harthi, Salah Al Yahyaei, and Mohammed Al Musalami.
He emphasized the team's unity and collective strength.
"While absences can have an impact, we have confidence in every member of our squad. We operate as a cohesive system, and our players are ready to rise to the occasion. Matches of this magnitude are familiar to us, and the team is accustomed to performing under pressure in front of large audiences," he stated.
Captain Faiz Al Rusheidi supported his coach's views, highlighting the team's preparedness and faith in their skills. "This match presents a tough challenge, but we have demonstrated our capabilities during the group stages. The players are committed to giving their all and making our nation proud," Al Rusheidi remarked.
Saudi Arabia, who finished as runners-up in Group B, advanced to the semi-finals with the tournament's top attacking record, netting eight goals during the group stage. While Herve Renard’s team possesses significant offensive strength, Oman can draw confidence from their recent Gulf Cup victory over the Green Falcons.
In the previous tournament held in Basra, Iraq, Oman triumphed over Saudi Arabia with a score of 2-1, a result that continues to resonate within the team.
Jaber highlighted the necessity of tactical discipline when facing Saudi Arabia’s dynamic play.
"They are a formidable team with a mix of experienced and young talent, but we have pinpointed areas where we can exploit weaknesses. The players understand the expectations, and we are confident in our ability to execute our game plan," he explained.
Conversely, Saudi Arabia secured second place in Group B and entered the semi-finals with strong momentum, having scored the highest number of goals (8) in the group stage, including a decisive 3-1 victory over the defending champions Iraq in their final group match.
Head coach Renard from France remains cautious about the challenge posed by Oman.
Renard stated, "We have evaluated their team and recognize their strengths. Our goal is to secure victory in the Gulf Cup, and we will formulate a strategy to accomplish this."
Historically, Oman has faced challenges against Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup matches, having won only two out of their 16 encounters.
A win would signify Oman’s sixth appearance in a Gulf Cup final and their second consecutive one. With the burden of history and the hopes of a nation resting on them, Oman’s players are ready for a contest that will require not only skill and determination but also strategic thinking and composure.
In an effort to enhance the experience, the Oman Football Association (OFA) has organized special charter flights to transport fans to Kuwait for the semi-final.
This initiative is designed to ensure strong support for the national team, as Omani fans are expected to create an exhilarating atmosphere in the stadium. The enthusiasm of dedicated supporters could serve as a crucial advantage as Al Ahmar (Red Warriors) aims to deliver another outstanding performance.
As they approach the semi-finals, Jaber’s squad remains unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, with only one loss in their last five international games (1-0 to Iraq in November).
The match will be officiated by Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler, while Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal will manage the VAR system.
