Oman cling to qualification hopes

JEDDAH: Oman head coach Tarik Sektioui has stressed that his side will fight until the final whistle to keep their Gulf Cup 27 qualification hopes alive when they face Kuwait in the decisive final round of Group A.
“The match is very important for us, and as long as there is hope of qualifying, we will work for it 100 per cent,” Sektioui said at the pre-match press conference.
The Moroccan coach underlined that “The team is working towards both short- and long-term objectives, with Tuesday’s match representing an important step in the development of the national side.”
“The 3-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the previous round was a harsh result considering the effort made by his players.”
“I am a man committed to my work, and I want to serve Oman in a way that benefits the national team in the future. Our current circumstances are completely different from our previous participation, with many absences and injuries that have affected our performance,” he explained.
“We came here with a clear plan to make a performance that reflects the aspirations of the Omani fans and to make this participation a real step towards improving the team in the long-term,” Sektioui added.
Oman has one point from two matches, following a draw with Iraq before losing to Saudi Arabia.
They must beat Kuwait and wait for the outcome of the other group match to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Kuwait, meanwhile, will enter the final round without a point after successive defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Portuguese coach Helio Sousa said his team would continue to approach the match with the same determination despite having already been eliminated.
“We always look for victory and try to correct our mistakes. I always play to win, not just to avoid defeat, because we are planning to compete for titles in the future and develop a new identity for the Blue,” Sousa said.
Sousa also urged Kuwaiti football to look forward rather than remain focused on past achievements, noting the development of competing teams and the need for continued work to raise the national team’s level.
Iraq, who have three points after beating Kuwait, will face Saudi Arabia in the other Group A match, with qualification at stake.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold said his team had carefully analysed the Saudi side and was prepared for the pressure of playing against the hosts.
“We have analysed Saudi Arabia’s style of play carefully, and we know how they play, especially as we have faced them before,” Arnold said.
He stressed that “Saudi Arabia possess strong players and are effective at pressing, while the home advantage would add to the challenge.”
Saudi Arabia, already assured of a semi-final place after winning their opening two matches, are targeting top spot.

Assistant coach Serafim Angelinas said: “The Green Falcons would continue to play for victory despite plans to make changes to the starting line-up.”
“We always look for victory, and our ambition is to finish top of the group,”
“Some players would be given opportunities and playing minutes while maintaining the team’s desire to win.”
“Saudi Arabia had no preference regarding their potential semifinal opponent, stressing that every team reaching the last four would have the ability to win.”
The final round of Group A matches will take place on Tuesday, with Oman facing Kuwait at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium at 9:30 pm Oman time.
In the other Group A encounter, Saudi Arabia will meet Iraq at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium at the same time.
The Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation announced that Iraq will host the 28th edition of the Gulf Cup in 2028, with the tournament scheduled to take place in December.