MUSCAT, AUG 28
The Oman national football team is all set to commence its campaign at the Central Asian Football Association (Cafa) Nations Cup 2025 as they will meet the hosts Uzbekistan on Saturday in the opening match. The match will kick off at 6:30 pm (Oman time) at Olympic Stadium in Tashkent city.
Oman are clubbed in Group A besides hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. This Asian event will act as final tune-up for the Red Warriors ahead of their crucial assignment in the decisive stage of AFC Asian qualifiers – Road to 26 as they will meet Qatar and the UAE on October 8 and 11 respectively in Doha city.
The opening clash against Uzbekistan will take place on Saturday in absence of four professional players including: Essam al Subhi, Khalid al Buraiki, Mohsin al Ghassani and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri due to their commitment with their clubs. The only overseas-based player featuring in the squad is striker Al Mundher al Alawi, who joined the team late during their recently concluded training camp in Türkiye.
Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz, the team successfully completed an intensive eight-day overseas camp in Türkiye, where they focused on building technical, physical, and tactical aspects ahead of the Cafa challenge. This tournament marks the first official test for Queiroz since taking charge of Oman last month.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Queiroz emphasised the players’ commitment and determination. Sharing a message on Instagram before the team’s departure to Uzbekistan, he said: “On our way to Uzbekistan, just one more step in our preparation. As we go through the building process, we must always keep in mind both the present and the future of the team. Our players have shown in camp the right attitude, staying focused and committed to our goal and dream. With the right sense of purpose and direction, they have demonstrated that they are truly ready to pay the price to grow – as individuals and as a team. Lads, well done and thank you. No matter the adversities and difficulties, we must trust and believe that what does not kill us makes us stronger, more resilient, and more powerful.”
The Central Asian Championship will be hosted across renowned venues in Uzbekistan, including the iconic Pakhtakor Stadium and the Central Stadium in Tashkent. Following the opening match against Uzbekistan on Saturday, Oman will play Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday and conclude their group stage campaign against Turkmenistan on Friday.
These fixtures are expected to provide tough tests and valuable international exposure for the Red Warriors as they continue their journey toward the AFC Asian Qualifiers. With the right momentum gained from the Türkiye camp and the strong platform of the Cafa tournament, Oman is fully focused on their mission to raise performance levels and pursue the historic dream of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
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