Queiroz announces 25-Man squad for domestic camp

MUSCAT, NOV 8

Oman national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz announced a 25-member squad for the domestic training camp in Muscat, which began on Saturday and will run until November 23. The camp will form a crucial part of the Red Warriors’ preparations for the Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2025 pre-qualifier match against Somalia, scheduled to take place on November 26. The winner of the qualifier will advance to the group stage of the prestigious Arab competition, set to be held in Doha from December 1 to 18.

The new squad marked the return of striker Al Mundher al Alawi, who rejoined the team after an absence in the recent Fifa World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers playoff stage. His comeback is expected to strengthen Oman’s attacking options as Queiroz continues to shape the team’s final lineup prior Fifa Arab Cup.

Among the goalkeepers, Queiroz retained Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Fayez al Rushaidi, and Bilal al Balushi, while introducing Ibrahim al Rajhi from Al Nasr, who received his first call-up under the Portuguese coach to enhance competition in the goalkeeping department. The squad also included several promising young talents who have impressed in domestic competitions. Rising star Yousef al Malki of Al Shabab, Khalid al Ghatrifi of Al Nasr, and Said al Alawi from Al Nahda received the confidence of Queiroz to join the team’s squad for this camp.

As this training period does not fall within official Fifa international match days, several of Oman’s overseas professionals were not called up. These include Mohsin al Ghassani of Thailand’s Bangkok United, as well as Khalid al Buraiki and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri from Czech side SK Artiìs Brno, who continued to face visa-related travel delays following the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Hatim al Rousdi from Al Shabab were not included despite their strong showings in the AFC Challenge League, while Ahmed al Kaabi (Al Nahda) missed out due to injury. Sultan bin Bader al Marzooq has joined the Oman Olympic team setup, and Mulhim al Sunaidy (Al Nasr) was also left out of the current squad. Also, Al Harthy al Mukhaini of Oman Club did not earn his maiden senior team selection yet despite his standout performances in the Jindal League.

The Red Warriors will play two friendly matches during the camp against Sudan on November 14 and Côte d'Ivoire on November 18 to fine-tune their form and readiness ahead of the decisive qualifier against Somalia.

Squad:

Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Fayez al Rushaidi, Bilal al Balushi, Ibrahim al Rajhi, Musab al Shaqsi, Khalid al Ghatrifi, Yousef al Malki, Ahmed al Khamisi, Mahmood al Mushaifri, Said al Alawi, Amjad al Harthy, Thani al Rushaidi, Ghanim al Habshi, Ali al Busaidy, Musab al Maamari, Ahed al Mashakheyi, Harib al Saadi, Jameel al Yahmadi, Abdullah Fawaz, Zaher al Ghbari, Al Mundher al Alawi, Nasser al Rawahi, Salah al Yahyaei, Mohammed al Ghafri and Essam al Subhi.