Oman defeat Sudan in tune-up match

MUSCAT: Oman’s national football team ended their first preparatory match with a confident 2-0 victory over Sudan on Friday night at Seeb Stadium. The first scheduled warm up was part of the underway domestic camp for Red Warriors to gear up for the Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2025 pre-qualifier match against Somalia on November 26. Oman’s goals scored by Zaher al Aghbari (63) and Al Mundher al Alawi (79).

The first half ended in a balanced performance as both sides exchanged control without posing major threats on goal. The Red Warriors returned after the break with renewed momentum and greater attacking purpose. The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute as Zaher al Aghbari scored the opening goal. Al Aghbari managed to weave past Sudanese defenders before unleashing a powerful low strike that beat the goalkeeper and put Oman ahead 1-0. Oman doubled their advantage in the 79th minute through Al Mundher al Alawi, who rose high to head home a precise cross from Mohammed al Ghafri, sealing a well-deserved 2-0 win for the hosts.

Oman head coach Queiroz fielded a lineup that featured a strong mix of experience and emerging talent.

Oman head coach Carlos Queiroz fielded a lineup that featured a strong mix of experience and emerging talent as part of the ongoing domestic camp. The starting eleven included: Bilal al Balushi as a goalkeeper while Thani al Rushaidi, Ghanim al Habshi, Yousef al Malki, Musab al Shaqsi and Amjad al Harthy in the defending line. The experienced player Harib al Saadi controlled the middle area beside Nasser al Rawahi and Jameel al Yahmadi while Salah al Yahyaei in the front area and Essam al Subhi as attacker.

Oman player controls the ball.

Oman will continue their warm-up programme with another friendly match scheduled against Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday which is expected to provide a tougher test as the African giants recently secured qualification to the Fifa World Cup 2026. Both matches will form a key component of Oman’s preparation for the crucial playoff against Somalia on November 26 as they will target to go into the group stage of the Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2025 scheduled from December 1 to 18 in Doha.

Oman team will back to the training sessions at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Sunday under the guidance of coach Carlos Queiroz. The head coach and his coaching staff will focus on the weakness areas that happened in Sudan match and to strengthen technical and tactical sides ahead of the next matches.