Thursday 02 / January / 2025
Muscat: Oman’s national football team, led by head coach Rasheed Jaber, stands on the cusp of second successive final as they gear up to face Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Tuesday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.
With the match scheduled for 6:30pm Oman time, the Red Warriors are determined to secure their place in the final and take another step towards their third Gulf Cup title. Oman lost to Iraq in the 2023 edition and have been winners in 2009 and 2017-18 editions.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Jaber exuded confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion despite injury setbacks and key absences.
“We are ready for this crucial match against Saudi Arabia, a team with a strong footballing pedigree,” he said.
“Our focus is clear – to qualify for the final. Matches like these are decided by the smallest details, and my players must show concentration and be mentally present from the first to the final whistle.”
Oman’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience. The team finished atop Group A, securing a 2-1 win against Qatar and hard-fought 1-1 draws against both Kuwait and the UAE. Remarkably, Oman came from behind in each of these games, showcasing their grit and determination.
Jaber acknowledged the challenges posed by absences, including those of Amjad Al Harthi, Salah Al Yahyaei, and Mohammed Al Musalami.
However, he stressed the strength of the team as a cohesive unit.
“While absences are always significant, we trust every player in the squad. We play as a system, and our players are prepared to step up. Big games like these are not new to us, and the team is used to performing under pressure in front of large crowds,” he added.
Captain Faiz Al Rusheidi echoed his coach’s sentiments, underscoring the team’s readiness and belief in their capabilities. “This is a challenging match, but we’ve proven ourselves in the group stages. The players are ready to give everything and make our nation proud,” said Al Rusheidi.
Saudi Arabia, runners-up in Group B, reached the semi-final with the tournament’s best attacking record, scoring eight goals in the group stage. While Herve Renard’s side brings considerable firepower, Oman can take heart from their recent Gulf Cup success against the Green Falcons.
In the last edition of the tournament in Basra, Iraq, Oman defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1, a result that still resonates within the squad.
Jaber emphasised the importance of tactical discipline against Saudi Arabia’s dynamic style.
“They are a strong team with experienced and young players, but we have identified areas where we can take advantage. The players know what is expected, and we are confident in our ability to execute,” he said.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, finished second in Group B and came into the semi-finals with momentum, having scored the most goals (8) in the group stage, ousting holders Iraq 3-1 in their concluding group clash.
Head coach Renard of France is wary of the Oman challenge.
“We have analysed their team and understand their strengths. Our ambition is to win the Gulf Cup, and we will develop a plan to achieve this,” said Renard.
Historically, Oman have struggled against Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup encounters, winning just two of their 16 previous meetings.
A victory would mark Oman’s sixth appearance in a Gulf Cup final and their second in a row. With the weight of history and a nation’s hopes on their shoulders, Oman’s players are prepared for a battle that promises to be as much about strategy and composure as skill and determination.
Adding to the excitement, the Oman Football Association (OFA) has arranged special charter flights to carry fans to Kuwait for the semi-final.
The initiative aims to ensure robust support for the national team, as Omani fans create an electrifying atmosphere in the stands. The backing of passionate supporters could prove to be a vital boost as Al Ahmar (Red Warriors) strives to deliver another memorable performance.
Heading into the semi-finals, Jaber’s men are undefeated in their previous four matches across all competitions, losing just one of their last five international encounters (1-0 to Iraq in November).
The match will be officiated by Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler, with Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal overseeing the VAR system.
