Oman morale high for positive result against Kuwait

Muscat, March 24

The Oman team morale is on a high for another positive result from Kuwait tie on Tuesday after the crucial late draw against South Korea last week. The Red Warriors are all set to take on the hosts Kuwait at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait city on Tuesday as the match will kick off at 10:15 pm (Oman Time).

The first leg match in Muscat ended in favour of Oman by 4-0 last October. Oman’s goals were scored by Abdulrahman al Mushefri (two), Mohsin al Ghassani and Abdullah Fawaz.

Coach Rasheed Jaber's side is fully aware that the triumph will move Oman to 10 points and extend the gap with the closest opponent that is Kuwait as both teams are currently in fourth and fifth positions respectively. The third and fourth-placed teams will advance to a play-off where an additional two tickets will be at stake. On the other hand, a defeat against Kuwait will dash Oman's direct qualification hopes and chances of play-off spot will reduce as the competitions will heat up in the remaining final two rounds.

The Oman team, under guidance the of coach Rasheed Jaber and his assisting team, completed their technical readiness for the match through few training sessions at Khaitan SC in the last two days and at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium on Tuesday. The last warm-up sessions focused on implementing various tactical phrases and scoring manoeuvres. The head coach finalised the starting line-up.

Kuwait on the other side ended their last match with a 2-2 draw in the closing minutes after they took the lead. Kuwait head coach Antonio Pizzi admitted losing two points at the very end was a bitter pill for Kuwait as they are looking to taste their first triumph in the Asian qualifiers. Kuwait team will miss the services of their striker Youssef Nasser due to yellow card accumulation. Nasser was the man in the previous match as he assisted his team to score against Iraq.

Oman head coach Rasheed Jaber affirmed after South Korea match that the team have to build up on the last match draw. “It is really important to go positive in the results and minimise our mistakes and defensive organisation is also very important. We still have a chance and we must build on Thursday's result to keep our hopes alive. The players have to show the same determination which was on display in the draw against South Korea.”

Kuwait coach Antonio Pizzi said: "The draw was a painful result but we are still focused and determined. We must prepare well but I can't fault my players as they have been working hard. We have seen significant improvement in the players' performance, and we will be ready for Oman."

CRITICAL MATCH

Oman’s experienced midfielder Harib al Saadi, affirmed that Tuesday's match against Kuwait is very critical for the team’s campaign in the Asian qualifiers. “We are looking forward to keeping our high momentum from the last match against Kuwait. If we want to go further in this campaign, then we need to be full focused on Kuwait assignment and clinch the desired result,” he said.

“The opponents are very tough and they are playing at home and they displayed top performance against Iraq in the last round. We need to focus on mental preparation which is equal to physical preparation and minimise the mistakes on the ground and score from the available attempts,” he added.