Three straight wins conclude Oman camp in Saudi

Muscat: Oman beach soccer team concluded their abroad camp in Saudi Arabia on perfect note as they registered three straight wins against hosts Saudis. The last preparatory match which was played on Friday ended with a 4-1 win for coach Talib Hilal’s men while the second warm-up fixture finished in a 6-2 victory. The opening friendly match was won by Oman 5-2. All the preparatory games took place in Jizan city.

One week external camp in Jizan city was a crucial part of the team’s preparation plan for the main assignment in AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2023 which will take place in Pattaya from March 16 to 26. After the conclusion of Saudi’s camp, the team will return to action on Sunday with an internal camp which will be followed by another domestic camp. The second warm-up gathering will be scheduled during February 26 to March 10. During these camps, the team will play two strong friendly games against European teams including Ukraine and other teams which will be confirmed soon.

The head coach of Oman team, Talib Hilal, and his men will raise their expectation in the upcoming edition of the Asian event. Oman beach soccer team will target repeating feat in 2015 as they were crowned champions after beating Japan in the final.

Oman are placed 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 Iran will play against Malaysia, UAE and Uzbekistan placed in Group B. Defending champions Japan 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.

Oman Squad: Said al Farsi, Khalid al Oraimi, Abdullah al Souti, Salim al Oraimi, Mundher al Oraimi, Younis al Owaisi, Shareef al Balushi, Amjad al Hamdani, Sami al Balushi, Yahya al Buraiki, Omar al Balushi, Ahmed al Owaisi and Abdul Rahman al Fazari.