Muscat: Oman’s path to the semi-finals of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup has resonated deeply with fans nationwide, and their fervent support will be on full display when Rasheed Jaber’s team competes against Saudi Arabia in a pivotal semifinal match in Kuwait on December 31, Tuesday. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, Oman time.
In a positive development, Mohsin Al Masroori, vice-chairman of the Oman Football Association (OFA), announced on Sunday that two special flights will transport hundreds of fans from Oman to Kuwait for this significant encounter.
The OFA has received an allocation of 5,600 tickets for its supporters, all of which have been sold out. Due to the high demand, Al Masroori revealed that plans are underway to charter a third flight to accommodate additional fans.
These extra flights are anticipated to further uplift the spirits of Oman’s players as they strive to secure a spot in the final.
This announcement coincides with the national team, known as the Red Warriors, gearing up to face the highly regarded Saudi Arabia. The presence of Omani fans in the stands is expected to enhance the morale of Jaber’s squad.
The OFA is making extensive efforts to ensure that fans can travel smoothly, allowing them to enjoy an unforgettable experience while supporting their team.
The backing of fans is undoubtedly a significant motivator for the Red Warriors as they aim to clinch a third Arabian Gulf Cup title for Oman, having previously won in 2009 and 2017.
Oman emerged at the top of Group A during the group stages, setting the stage for this semifinal clash with Saudi Arabia.
Their campaign commenced with a 1-1 stalemate against Kuwait, followed by an impressive 2-1 victory over Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup champions. In their final group match, Oman secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the UAE, allowing them to top the group. They finished level on points with Kuwait but advanced due to superior disciplinary records. The Red Warriors, currently positioned 80th in the FIFA rankings, are set to face Saudi Arabia, ranked 59th, who recently achieved a commanding 3-1 win over Iraq.
The upcoming match promises to be an exciting encounter, and with the unwavering support of their dedicated fans, Oman’s aspirations of reaching a third Gulf Cup final remain very much alive.
Final rescheduled to January 4
In a related development, teams will now have an additional day to prepare for the Gulf Cup final following the semifinal matches on Tuesday.
On Sunday, the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) announced the decision to postpone the final from its original date of January 3 to January 4, providing teams with extra preparation time.
Khaled Al Muqren, chairman of the AGCFF Competitions’ Committee, stated that the postponement was made for “compelling reasons,” while confirming that the semi-final schedule would remain unchanged.
The second semi-final will also take place on Tuesday, featuring Kuwait against Bahrain at 9:45 pm.
As the semi-finals approach, Omani fans are eagerly wondering if the Red Warriors can shoulder the expectations of their supporters and secure a spot in the final.
With fans arriving in large numbers to cheer on the team, it is evident that the nation’s spirit is firmly behind them.
