MUSCAT, APRIL 6
Oman U-17 team head coach, Anwar al Habsi, remained positive after the team suffered to a close 2-1 defeat against Tajikistan in group D opener of AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Saturday.
“Normally, the opening matches in group-stage tournaments are always the most difficult in any tournament. The boys delivered a top match as they began the match perfectly in the first half and we were organised defensively and created several chances through counterattacks and transitions,” he said.
Oman coach affirmed that conceding a goal was a turning point in the match. “Unfortunately, conceding that goal in the second half made big change in the match and may have unsettled the team. I am still positive that the team can bounce back in the remaining matches and will deliver better performances against Iran and North Korea,” he said.
Oman will meet Iran in their next Group D clash at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium (Jeddah) on Tuesday.
Back to the match details, Tajikistan managed to earn three crucial points from Oman following their 2-1 win in their Group opener. Tajikistan players began the match strongly as they opened the scoring in third minute after Zarif Zarifzoda’s deceptive lob from outside the box bounced past a bewildered Yazan al Khaldi. Oman managed to register the equaliser level in the 11th minute when Mohammed al Mashaykhi leapt high above the Tajikistan defence to nod the ball downwards past keeper Abubakar Rahmonqulov. Tajikistan took the lead again four minutes into the second half when Yazan al Khaldi failed to handle Nazrullo Ashuralizoda’s shot from inside the 18 yard box to secure a 2-1 win for his team. Tajikistan will aim to register another win in their upcoming game against North Korea to seal spot at quarterfinal while Oman will target to bounce back to snatch their first victory over Iran on Tuesday.
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