Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Ramadan 8, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Red warriors return as champs

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The Gulf Cup champions were given a rousing reception on their return from Kuwait on Saturday. The national team, which won 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout over neighboring UAE, was taken on an open top bus from the Muscat airport to the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The team members went around the flood-lit stadium with the trophy, acknowledging the welcome and thanking fans for their support. Leading telecom operator Omantel and financial service provider, BankMuscat announced a cash award of RO 100,000 each to the winners.


Special prizes were announced by a company during a ceremony held to honour the team at the stadium. Jubilant Omani fans took to the streets on Friday, with young men spilling out of cars and waving the white, green and red flags. “It is time for celebration. We are champions,” shouted Hameed al Wahaibi in Ruwi. All across the capital city, a cavalcade of cars was seen driving through the night in celebration, hooting horns and shouting slogans. “It’s a huge success for Oman and it’s very, very good news,” said Saif al Balushi, who had been following the match on television and rushed on to the streets along with friends to celebrate. The present win is Oman’s second-ever victory in the Cup, with the last one coming in 2009.


All the praise went to Omani goalkeeper Fayez al Rashidi who produced an excellent save to block Abdulrahman’s shot, which paved the way for the win. “We are really celebrating from our hearts. This is like a dream. It means everything to us,” said Khalid, another fan. The penalties were a tough moment but they made me and the whole of Oman happy. “We had good control on our performances. I thought there was a lot of good play. We have come out worthy winners,” said Khalid.  It was not only nationals who took to the streets. A number of expatriates joined the celebrations on Saturday. “The team was full of confidence. Oman has shown its strength. The game was intensive,” said Praful Bhatt.


SAMUEL KUTTY


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