MUSCAT: Oman will target a strong start in their opening match against Chinese Taipei for Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the Fifa World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. The match will take place at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Thursday and will begin at 7 pm (Oman time). In the same Group, Malaysia host Kyrgyz Republic at National Stadium Bukit Jalil.
The Branko Ivankovic-coached side wants to capture the three winning points that will give a boost the Red Warriors in their journey at the joint qualifiers which will last for eight months approximately. The national senior team players are in good shape and fitness to commence their campaign in the Round 2 qualification.
Coach Branko voiced confidence in the press meet on Wednesday saying Oman are ready for a strong performance against Chinese Taipei. “It is an awaiting moment for us to begin the historic qualifiers. We will enter the qualifiers with high potential and move further until reaching the desired target especially this time as Asia will have 8 direct slots and a play-off berth in the forthcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup,” the Croatian said.
“It is always that the opening match will be difficult. Although Oman are the best technically but we have to respect the opponent. I am fully satisfied with players discipline and performance in the training camp. I am confident on my players to give a strong display against Chinese Taipei,” he added.
AL YAHYAI TO MISS MATCH
Commenting on the injured players, the 69 years old responded that Salah al Yahyai will not take part in the match due to his injury. “Khalid al Hajri also is suffering from an injury in his knee while Ahed al Hudaifi and Mahmood will not be ready for the opening match. Arshad will be one our choices for the next camps,” he said.
Chinese Taipei’s game will be followed with another challenging fixture against Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday in Bishkek city.
“We had worked hard to analyse the opponent and in this kind of matches you may get any surprises. However, I am confident on my squad to deliver top game,” he concluded.
Oman team captain Harib al Saadi affirmed that the joint qualifiers is very essential event. “We have completed ten days of training camp ahead of this crucial game and the readiness of the team is in good level to show a top game,” he said.
“ Oman fans are used to be in the top events and we are looking forward for their usual support in the qualifiers matches,” he added.
The head coach of Chinese Taipei, Gary John White, said he is happy to be in Muscat for a second time. “The players are in good condition after many days in the training sessions. They are fit for the match. The main focus is to rebuild the team as currently the team is comprised of a great mixture of young and experienced players."
“The Chinese Taipei players are developing and some of them currently play in Chinese Professional League besides that Chinese Taipei League is growing. Furthermore, Chinese Taipei players are hungry to earn more accomplishments and to attend in top assignments including Fifa World Cup,” the former coach of Guam added.
“I had observed Oman team in their last friendlies against Palestine and USA. They have quality players with desired speed. It is challenging match to play against the top-seeded team,” he said.
Chinese Taipei player Wu Chun Ching said he is excited for the match. “It is a vital match for us as it is representing the qualifiers for Fifa World Cup. We will work very hard to come out with the desired result. The weather is good in Oman and we are looking for a top match,” he said.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
