Oman step up training sessions with 4 days for Qatar clash

MUSCAT: The Red Warriors began the second and last phase of their preparation camp on Thursday for the decisive AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 2026 — with a gym session before taking to the pitch at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday for their first full training. Training intensity was stepped up with only four days remaining until the crucial opening match against hosts Qatar on Wednesday.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his staff have designed a meticulous plan to maximise benefits from the short preparation window. The team will depart for Doha on Monday allowing for a single official training session in Qatar before their opening match on Wednesday.

The players have shown strong determination during training, reflecting the significance of these encounters. Queiroz recently announced the final squad that will represent Oman in the decisive AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 2026 fixtures against Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to be held in Doha on Wednesday and October 11.

The 25-player squad reflects a balance of experience and youthful energy, is led by captain Harib al Saadi alongside key members including Arshad al Alawi, Salah al Yahyaei and Jameel al Yahmadi. Goalkeepers Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Bilal al Balushi and Fayez al Rushedi while defenders Ali al Busaidy, Khalid al Buraiki, Ahmed al Khamisi, Amjad al Harthy and Nayef Bait Subaih will anchor the defensive line. The midfield strength featured Mahmood al Mushefri, Nasser al Rawahi, Abdullah Fawaz and Zaher al Aghbari, while the attacking duties will be shouldered by Mohsin al Ghassani, AbdulRahman al Mushefri, Mohammed al Ghafri and Essam al Subhi.

The players have shown strong determination during training, reflecting the significance of these encounters.

Despite strong recent performances, the squad does not include Al Mundher al Alawi while Ahmed al Kaabi and Juma al Habsi are excluded due to injuries in this critical stage of the qualifiers. Queiroz expressed confidence in the selected players, underlining that each of them has the ability to deliver on the continental stage and bring Oman closer to the dream of a World Cup spot.

Oman currently stand in a competitive position in the qualifiers and victories in the upcoming fixtures could be decisive in cementing their path to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The national team recently concluded a productive domestic training phase, combined with their participation in the Cafa Nations Cup in last July, providing the squad with valuable competitive rhythm.

Oman Squad:

Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Bilal al Balushi, Fayez al Rushedi, Khalid al Buraiki, Musab al Shaqsi, Mahmood al Mushefri, Ahmed al Khamisi, Nayef Bait Subaih, Thani al Rushedi, Amjad al Harthy, Ghanim al Habshi, Ali al Busaidy, Sultan al Marzooq, Harib al Saadi, Arshad al Alawi, Abdullah Fawaz, Zaher al Aghbari, Jameel al Yahmadi, AbdulRahman al Mushefri, Mohsin al Ghassani, Nasser al Rawahi, Salah al Yahyaei, Mohammed al Ghafri and Essam al Subhi.