Red Warriors gear up for Gulf Cup 27

MUSCAT, SEPT 20
The Oman national football team delegation will travel to Jeddah on Monday to participate in the 27th Gulf Cup, which will be held in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6.
The delegation will be headed by Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidi, Chairman of the Oman Football Association, accompanied by Qutaiba bin Said al Ghailani, Vice-Chairman of the Association and General Supervisor of the national team.
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups, with 15 matches to be played at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.
Oman’s national football team intensified preparations at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah ahead of the opener against Iraq on Wednesday.
The coaching staff focused on improving understanding among the players, while tactical sessions on quick passing and movement in tight spaces aimed to help the team find solutions under pressure.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Football Federation has announced 77 prizes for fans attending the Gulf Cup 27, including 75 iPhones and two BYD cars.
Tickets will automatically be entered into electronic draws after each match, provided holders enter the stadium and register their tickets before the end of the 10th minute.
More than 350 volunteers are supporting the organisation across fan services, crowd management, media, protocol, transportation and stadium operations.
Omani officials are well-represented at Gulf Cup 27, with Qutaiba al Ghailani serving on the Competitions Committee, Ibrahim al Hosni on the Referees Committee, Dr Hamad Al Hadhrami on the Appeals Committee, Ali al Khanbashi on the Technical Studies Committee and Mustafa al Hosni serving as a Match Commissioner.
An Omani refereeing team, led by international referee Qasim al Hatmi and assisted by Hamad al Ghafri and Nasser Ambusaidi, will also take part in the tournament.
Oman will be aiming for a third Gulf Cup crown after winning the title in 2009 on home soil and again in 2017 in Kuwait.
Hosts Saudi Arabia will target a fourth Gulf Cup title on home soil. The hosts have previously won the tournament three times, in 1994, 2002 and 2003, and will look to make the most of home advantage.
Record champions Kuwait enter the tournament seeking an 11th title. The Blue Wave have lifted the Gulf Cup 10 times, with their most recent triumph coming in 2010.
Iraq will seek their fifth Gulf Cup title after their latest triumph in 2023 when they hosted the tournament in Basra. With four titles, Iraq are the second-most successful team in the competition’s history.
Qatar will target a fourth Gulf Cup title after previous triumphs in 1992, 2004 and 2014.
Defending champions Bahrain will aim to retain the trophy after securing their second Gulf Cup title in the previous edition. They will face Qatar, the UAE and Yemen in Group B.
The UAE will be looking to revive their Gulf Cup campaign and challenge for a third title. The Emirati side previously won the trophy in 2007 on home soil and in 2013 in Bahrain.
Yemen enter the tournament with renewed ambitions after securing their first-ever Gulf Cup victory in the previous edition, beating Bahrain 2-1. They will seek another milestone in a demanding Group B campaign.