Oman’s junior stars made valiant efforts to set up a title-clash with Lebanon in the final of the Arab School Football Championship in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday. The final will begin at 8 pm (Oman time).
In a thrilling semifinal encounter against the hosts Egypt, Oman sealed the final spot with a brilliant goal from Hassan al Qasmi in the second half of the game.
Oman, coached by national head coach Anwar al Habsi, will aim to lift the first Arab title after showing an outstanding show in the tournament. The national junior stars completed their warm-up sessions for the final clash after a final warm-up gathering on Saturday at the venue of the match.
Abdullah al Foori, Head of Oman delegation, congratulated the players for their top display in the previous games. “Oman took part in this Arab Championship in the football event and we are very proud of our junior stars’ performance as they reached the final. I am sure our players will deliver their best in the concluding match to earn the desired result and we wish good luck for them,” he said.
Al Foori thanked all the players’ parents who accompanied them during this journey to Cairo. “A special thanks to the parents for their cooperation and continuous support,” he concluded.
Earlier in the group stage, the Oman team had secured a slot in the semifinals after they were positioned as runners-up in Group B with four points. Lebanon topped the group with four points too but with better goal difference.
The Oman team commenced their campaign in the tournament with a 2-1 win over Morocco and then they ended their second match against Lebanon on a 1-1 draw. In the semifinals on Friday, Oman beat Egypt while Lebanon prevailed over Libya 4-3 in penalties after 1-1 draw at full time.
Following the Arab tournament, the Oman players will compete in the Under-15 West Asian Football Championship which will be hosted in Salalah from December 11 to 20 under the umbrella of the WAFF in coordination with the Oman Football Association (OFA).
The hosts Sultanate of Oman, champions in 1998, will compete against Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon in Group A while defending champions Jordan were drawn with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Syria in an exciting Group B.
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