Oman U-17 suffer two defeats against Russia

MUSCAT: Oman U-17 national football team suffered two defeats against Russia in friendly matches as part of the underway domestic camp for the team in Al Musannah and it will run until March 29. The first preparatory match at Al Rustaq Sports Complex ended for Russia at 4-1 on Wednesday while the following warm up fixture finished for Russia again at 5-1. Both matches shaped the team’s readiness for the forthcoming challenge at AFC U-17 Asian Cup which will be scheduled in Saudi Arabia during April 3-20, 2025.

Despite the losses, Oman head coach Anwar al Habsi concluded from both matches with several outcomes. The coaching staff ensured all players had the chance to feature against a strong Russian side, helping finalise tactical approaches and determine the core squad for the continental competition. In both matches, Oman’s strikers including Al Waleed al Baradi and Al Yazen al Balushi netted one goal in each match.

Oman U-17 suffer two defeats against Russia

With the final squad selection approaching, the coaching staff will soon submit the official 23-player list to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This roster will represent Oman in the highly anticipated tournament, where they will compete in Group D alongside Iran, Tajikistan and North Korea.

Before heading to Saudi Arabia after Ramadhan, Oman will play two crucial friendlies against Vietnam on March 25 and 28. These matches will serve as the final assessment of the squad, allowing the coaching staff to fine-tune player fitness, technical execution and tactical discipline ahead of their Asian challenge.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, with the Championship also acting as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. For the first time, eight Asian teams will secure spots in the expanded 48-team global event. Oman’s young talents will aim to make their mark on the continental stage with hopes of progressing beyond the group phase and securing a spot in the prestigious Fifa U-17 World Cup.