Sports Reporter -
MUSCAT, jan 19 -
Oman coach Muhanna Said felt it was a mixed bag for the hosts in their game against Bahrain.
“We did not start well and it was largely due to their (Bahrain) gameplan to stop Saad Suhail and Mohammad Musalami on the flanks. They blocked out the wings for us and that made it difficult for us to manoeuvre,’’ he added.
However, the coach felt Oman had a much better second half.
“We came back strongly in the second half as we changed tactics and made some good substitutions. It helped us get a grip of the game,’’ Muhanna said.
Muhanna was all praise for the super goal by Jameel Darwees al Yahmadi that gave Oman the much needed equaliser.
“It was a fantastic goal from Jameel and that set the tone in the second half. I felt we should have won the game the way we played in the second half but we could not find the winner unfortunately,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup was pleased with the performance of his wards. “We were very active in the first half and put Oman under pressure. Oman is a good team and it is to the credit of our players that they pushed Oman,’’ Soukup said.
Soukup was unhappy with one of the decisions of the referee during the match but said he would not use that as an excuse.
“I think for a reckless challenge by a defender, it is a red card that should be given and not a yellow. But I will not criticise the referee much as these things happen sometimes,’’ he added.
The Bahrain coach also felt that Oman’s goal was the best of the day.
“Definitely, the goal of the day belonged to Oman and the player (Jameel) deserves much praise,’’ Soukup stated.
He also felt both teams tried hard to push for a win but Bahrain were happy to come away with one point against a strong opponent like Oman.
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