Gulf Cup: Oman lineup for semifinal against Bahrain

Sports Tuesday 02/January/2018 17:51 PM
By: Times News Service
Gulf Cup: Oman lineup for semifinal against Bahrain

Muscat: As in their first two group matches, Oman will be playing a 4-2-3-1 formation with coach Pim Verbeek preferring to go with lone striker Khalid Al Hajri in their Gulf Cup semifinal match against Bahrain in Kuwait.
In their final Group A match against Saudi Arabia, Oman played 4-4-2 formation with Abdulaziz Al Muqbali teaming up with Khalid Al Hajri upfront but Verbeek switched back to the formation he preferred in the earlier matches against the UAE and Kuwait.
Against Bahrain in the semifinals, Khalid Al Hajri will be operating in front of attack minded trio of Raed Ibrahim, Mohsin Johar and Jameel Al Yahmari with captain Ahmed Mubark ‘Kanu’ and Hareb Al Saadi marshaling the midfield.
The four-man defence in front of custodian Fayez Al Rusheidi will be manned by Ali Al Busaidi, Mohammed Al Musallami, Fahmi Said and the experienced winger Saad Suhail.
For the record, Oman lost the first group match to the UAE 1-0 before defeating Kuwait by the same margin in the second match.

The Sultanate squad sealed their semifinal berth with a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Oman starting XI against Bahrain:
Fayeez Al Rusheidi
Ali Al Busaidi
Mohammed Al Musallami
Fahmi Said
Saad Suhail
Ahmed Mubarak ‘Kanu’
Hareb Al Saadi
Raed Ibrahim
Mohsin Johar
Jameel Al Yahmadi
Khalid Al Hajri