Here's how Oman could still qualify for the next round of the AFC Asian Cup

Sports Thursday 17/January/2019 12:53 PM
By: Times News Service
Here's how Oman could still qualify for the next round of the AFC Asian Cup

Muscat: Oman are bidding to finish the group stages of the AFC Asian Cup as one of four best third-placed teams to make it to the knockout stages for the first time in history.
Standing in their way is Turkmenistan, a team that played well in their opener against Japan only to lose their way in a 4-0 thrashing against neighbours Uzbekistan. The two sides will clash at 5:30 PM at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Oman's only hope of qualifying will be to wrap up the group stage with a win and better goal difference than Lebanon, who like Oman have zero points. The Red Warriors have a goal difference of -2, while Lebanon's goal difference is -4. Should Oman win by one goal and not concede, Lebanon will need to score at least four times to have any hopes of qualifying.
However, should Oman tie and Lebanon win against North Korea tonight, the Cedars will advance at the expense of the Sultanate. However should both Oman and Lebanon tie, Palestine, waiting in the wings on two points after two draws will qualify for the next round.
If, on the other hand, Oman loses, depending on goal difference, it could be the Turkmen who qualify. The Emeralds face a goal difference of -5.
Either of those teams could join Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Australia, South Korea, China, Japan, and Uzbekistan in the Round Of 16.
Oman will be relying on the full talents of its squad, including talisman Muhsen Al Ghassani, the scorer of their only goal in the tournament so far. Al Ghassani, who plays for Al Suwaiq in the Oman League, came close to putting the Red Warriors ahead against the Japanese, a match Oman lost 0-1.
The Red Warriors will be without Muhsin Jowhar due to injury, manager Pim Verbeek confirmed. "Oman has been working hard over the past two days to prepare for this match," Verbeek added.
'Proud of Omani support'
"The players have been aiming for the second stage for the past six weeks. It is now the moment of truth and this game is not as easy as some might think," he stated.
The opportunity to make history with Oman is not one Verbeek wants to miss and he is putting pressure on his players to score as many goals as possible to make it happen.
Verbeek added, "You have to score goals in this match. To win, you need to score more goals than the opponent."
Regardless, Verbeek and his team are proud to represent the Sultanate.
"I and all the players are proud of the Omani audience for their support during our last two games. I thank them for all they did," said the Dutchman.