Oman ready to seize chance against UAE : Sektioui

JEDDAH, OCT 2
The Oman national football team look to continue their impressive Gulf Cup 27 campaign when they face the UAE in the semifinal on Saturday night.
The match will kick-off at 10.30 pm (Oman time) at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The encounter comes after Oman secured a dramatic qualification for the last four through a draw of lots against Iraq, following their 3-1 comeback victory over Kuwait.
Oman head coach Tarik Sektioui expressed confidence in his players’ readiness, praising their determination to overcome difficult circumstances and reach the semifinals despite expectations that they would be eliminated.

“We are ready mentally, physically and medically for the match, and we have one final training session remaining. Everyone expected Oman to be eliminated, but from my experience, football is a school of life that goes beyond the pitch,” Sektioui said.
“Anyone who wants to criticise should direct their criticism at me alone. The players are doing a great job. We have experienced players, alongside young players whose age does not allow them to carry all this criticism,” he added.
On facing the UAE, Sektioui stressed that Oman would approach the match with confidence while maintaining respect for their opponents.
“We do not underestimate ourselves, while at the same time respecting our opponents, we respect every team we face. Over 90 minutes there are no differences between the two teams. We will face a good side, but we are also a team that is developing and growing as the competition progresses,” he explained.
He also praised the UAE’s long-term planning and squad quality.
“The UAE are following a plan that started years ago to build a distinguished team for the future. We will face a strong and cohesive team with a good group of players,” Sektioui ended.
Oman midfielder Hussein al Shahri shared his coach’s confidence, saying: “The UAE are a big team with excellent players, but we do not underestimate ourselves. We will play 11 against 11, and we hope to reach the final.”

DALIC ACKNOWLEDGES CHALLENGE
UAE coach Zlatko Dalic acknowledged the challenge posed by Oman, particularly after their strong reaction in the closing stages of their victory over Kuwait.
“We will face a respectable and strong team. We have studied Oman well, especially their performance in the final 20 minutes against Kuwait.'
'Many did not expect them to qualify, but they showed a great reaction, and their coach has done an excellent job,” Dalic said.
“We are in the semifinal, and I am happy with the way we have played so far and what the players have delivered. Many say we are among the favourites, but our focus is on Oman,” he added.
Dalic dismissed the difference in recovery time as an excuse, saying: “Oman had an extra day of rest, but we have done what we needed to do. We rested some players against Qatar. There are no excuses, and we will give our maximum.”
UAE defender Khalifa al Hammadi also confirmed his team’s readiness, saying: “We respect all our opponents, but our main focus is on ourselves. We are ready as a group to give our best and reach the final.”
The match will be officiated by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie, assisted by compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries.