Muscat, MAY 5 - Oman national football team’s assistant coach Muhanna Said believes Oman will have to really fight hard as they will be part of a tough group at the AFC Asian Cup next year. Oman are clubbed with Japan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in Group F at the AFC Asian Cup to be held in the UAE in January next year. The draw of the Asian Cup was held in Dubai late on Friday. Assistant coach Said spoke in detail about Oman’s opponents and the challenges the ‘Red Warriors’ could face in the big-ticket competition.
“The Oman national football team are positioned in a tough group. We will face off against Japan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. It is a tough group due to the following reasons and let’s talk team by team: Japan is considered as one of the top teams in Asia. They are champions of Asia four times. Their Fifa ranking is the highest in Asia. Also, Japan has continuously qualifed for the World Cup,” Muhanna Said, the Oman team’s assistant coach said. “Uzbekistan is one of the developed teams in Asia. They were very close to qualifying for the World Cup in 2014 and 2018 as they reached the last round and lost. They have participated in the Asian Cup seven times and have good experience. They have a well prepared technical Olympic team as they won the last edition of the Asian Cup,” assistant coach added.
“Turkmenistan is an unknown team in Asia. I don’t have much information about this team. Anyway, you must be very aware to play with them.” Muhanna Said analysed. “To qualify for the second round, we are required to grab atleast one point in the difficult matches and if you have reached four points then you can get positioned as the second or third placed team,” Muhanna pointed out. “We prepared our preparation plan schedule prior to the draw. We are waiting to get approval for our plan. There is one insured friendly match in next October. Also, searching for some more matches.” Muhanna Said concluded.
Adil Al Balushi
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