Verbeek announces Asian Cup squad

MUSCAT, Dec 26 - Oman national football team coach, Pim Verbeek, has announced the squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 which will be held in the UAE during January 5 to February 1. The Dutchman had omitted three players from the team — Abdullah Fawaz (Dhofar), Ahmed al Kaabi (Al Nahda) and Al Mundher al Alawi (Dhofar). As many as 23 players have been selected for the team to represent the Sultanate in the Asian Cup namely: Fayez al Rushaidi, Ahmed al Rawahi, Ammar al Rashidi, Mohammed al Balushi (Al Shiba), Mohammed Faraj al Rawahi, Mahmood al Mushaifri, Khalid al Beriki, Saad Suhail, Mohammed al Musallami, Ali al Busaidy, Salah al Yahyaei, Hareb al Saadi, Muotaz Saleh, Yaseen al Shiyadi, Ali al Jabri, Ahmed Mubarek (Kanu), Jameel al Yahmadi, Raed Ibrahim, Khalid al Hajri, Mohsin al Ghassani, Mohammed al Ghassani and Mohammed al Hosni. OMAN TAKE ON INDIA On the other hand, Oman will take on India on Thursday in their first of three friendly matches in preparation for the Asian Cup. The match will be held at Bani Yas stadium in Abu Dhabi at 6 pm (Oman Time). Verbeek has completed preparation for India friendly through series of training sessions at the camp in Abu Dhabi. The camp, which was started on December 22, will recognise the starting list of the team for upcoming matches in the Asian cup. During the training sessions, Verbeek has focused to strengthen technical tactics during attacking and defending. The players were also tested to create a strong defence, midfield and forward line-ups. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ammar al Rashidi joined the camp replacing Ali al Habsi who was ruled out due to an injury. Ammar participated in Wednesday’s training session and will continue with the team as third goalkeeper besides Fayez and Ahmed al Rawahi. Oman Squad Goalkeepers: Ammar al Rashidi (Al Suwaiq), Faiz al Rushaidi (Al Ain Saudi), Ahmed al Rawahi (Al Nasr). Defenders: Mohammed al Musallami (Dhofar), Mohammed al Rawahi (Al Wakrah), Mohammed al Balushi (Al Nahda), Saad al Mukhaini (Al Nasr), Khalid al Beriki (Al Nasr), Ali al Busaidy (Dhofar), Mahmood al Mushaifri (Al Nasr). Midfielders: Ali al Jabri (Al Nahda), Raed Ibrahim Saleh (Valletta FC), Mohsin al Khaldi (Sohar SC), Ahmed Mubarak al Mahaijri (Al Mesaimeer), Jameel al Yahmadi (Al Wakrah), Muotaz Saleh (Dhofar), Harib al Saadi (Dhofar), Yaseen al Sheyadi (Al Suwaiq). Forwards: Khalid al Hajri (Al Nasr), Mohammed al Ghassani (Saham), Mohsin al Ghassani (Al Suwaiq), Mohammed al Hosni (Al Nahda).