Muscat: With less than 40 days for AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2023, Oman beach soccer team is gearing up for a good show in the forthcoming Asian assignment which will take place in Pattaya, Thailand from March 16 to 26.
The national team players are busy in the ongoing abroad camp in Saudi Arabia which started on Sunday and will run until Saturday. The one week external gathering in Jizan city will feature three international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia.
Oman are pitted in Group D besides Palestine, Kuwait and Kyrgyz Republic. Hosts Thailand will vie for the title as they face 2006 champions Bahrain, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia in Group A.
Two-time winners Islamic Republic of Iran will play against Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan placed in Group B. Defending champions Japan will defend their title as they will play against Lebanon, China PR and Indonesia teams in Group C.
The top three sides in the Asian event will join hosts United Arab Emirates at the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2023.
Coach Talib Hilal’s men played two crucial preparatory matches against Iran in Muscat last week as part of the team’s preparations schedule for the Asian assignment. In the first friendly match, Iran managed to end the game on a winning note by 3-2 in penalties while Oman players registered a 4-3 win over Iran in the following game.
After the preparatory matches against Iran, the head coach of the national beach soccer team said the team earned the maximum technical output from both warm-up games. “The two friendly matches against Iran were very tough and the technical performance was very strong. I am satisfied with the show in both games and looking for a better show in the Asian finals,” Talib said.
Responding to the team’s show in the second match, he responded that the performance was much better. “Iran team is a very strong team in Asia and ranked as first team in Asia and third in the world level. We managed to implement the right tactics in the game and players showed a solid show. This game will encourage the team to do much better in the Asian finals,” he said.
The experienced national coach appreciated the efforts by the new faces during the camp. “I am happy with the new selections and they made their presence in the team. I am sure they will deliver their best in the near future,” he concluded.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
