Oman national football team head coach, Branko Ivankovic, said that Oman’s players were not lucky enough to end the match on a winning note.
“I can not complain about my players for their result against Tajikistan as they showed top game but they were not lucky enough,” he said.
Oman was held to a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan on Wednesday in the second match for both teams in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2023. Red Warriors suffered a 3-0 loss against the hosts Uzbekistan on Sunday.
After the conclusion of the second round of group matches, Uzbekistan led the group with six points while Tajikistan in second place with two points. Turkmenistan positioned in third with one point while Red Warriors finished bottom of the group with one point only.
The Croatian coach said in the press meet post the match that the match against Tajikistan was very tough. “We played against a disciplined team and in difficult circumstances. We managed to register the opening goal but could not register a penalty to lead in the match again."
"The luck was not with the players to convert the scoring attempts into goals. The opponent was not easy as they performed very well to end the match in a draw. Despite that the rivals did not classify among the top teams in Asia but they were fighting in the game and delivered top game," he added.
"I respect all the teams in the tournament and we have to close this chapter now. My focus is now shifted to the forthcoming match against Turkmenistan and will prepare better for this game,” he said.
On the other hand, the head coach of Tajikistan, Petar Segrt, expressed his full satisfaction on the players performance during the match. “It was a tough match with different scenarios that made the match a thrilling fixture. The opponent got two penalties and they scored from one. We played with ten men for more than 40 minutes and managed to end the match at a 1-1 draw. Congratulations to my players for their outstanding performance,” he said
Petar added in his statement that he is in good relationship with Oman head coach team. “Oman team delivered a good match and we did the same as well. I know Oman head coach Branko very well and since many years,” he said
Oman will conclude their group match against Turkmenistan on Saturday while the hosts Uzbekistan will face Tajikistan.
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