Sports

Oman thrash Mozambique 4-1 in Jakarta friendly

Issam al Subhi starred with a hat-trick as Oman defeated Mozambique 4-1.
 
Issam al Subhi starred with a hat-trick as Oman defeated Mozambique 4-1.


Oman’s national football team returned to winning ways in their Jakarta training camp with a convincing 4-1 victory over Mozambique in an international friendly at Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium on Sunday.
The result came two days after Oman suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts Indonesia in their opening friendly of the camp, giving head coach Tarik Sektioui an important response from his players as the team continues preparations for upcoming regional and continental assignments. Indonesia’s win over Oman on June 5 was confirmed in match reports, while the current camp forms part of Oman’s build-up programme in Jakarta.
Striker Issam al Subhi was the standout performer for Oman, scoring a hat-trick to put the Red Warriors in control. He opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, before doubling Oman’s lead from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute. Al Subhi completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, underlining his attacking value for the national team.
Mozambique reduced the deficit in the second half, but Oman restored their three-goal advantage near the end when Abdul Salam al Shukaili struck in the 88th minute to seal a morale-boosting win.
The Jakarta camp is being held from May 29 to June 9, with Oman using the two friendly matches against Indonesia and Mozambique to assess the squad’s readiness. The camp is part of the team’s preparations for Khaleeji 27, scheduled to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in September and the AFC Asian Cup 2027, also set to take place in Saudi Arabia early next year.
The technical staff had earlier focused on physical, technical and tactical work during the first sessions of the camp, with Sektioui aiming to evaluate all called-up players and give them a chance to compete for places in the squad during the coming stage.
Oman’s performance against Mozambique offered a positive reaction after the Indonesia setback, especially in attack, where the team showed better sharpness and efficiency in front of goal. The win also gives the coaching staff valuable indicators before the squad concludes its external camp and returns to Muscat to continue its longer-term preparation programme.