MUSCAT, DEC 4
Oman’s national football team will step into one of their toughest and most decisive battles of the Fifa Arab Cup when they will meet Morocco on Friday in a crucial Group B encounter at Education City Stadium in Doha. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 pm (Oman time), and the Red Warriors will enter the clash knowing that only victory will keep their hopes alive in the competition while the draw will put them in a complicated position to secure one of the qualification spots.
Oman suffered a narrow and frustrating 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match as the result was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.
Morocco began their campaign in dominant fashion as they defeated Comoros 3-1 and showcasing the strength of a squad ranked 11th in the latest Fifa World Rankings published on November 19.
With the pressure mounting, Oman simply cannot afford another loss. A defeat would officially end their journey in the Arab Cup at the group stage.
A draw, while keeping slim hopes alive, may push Oman into complicated qualification scenarios depending on other results and goal differences. A win, however, would revive the Red Warriors’ campaign and keep them firmly in contention for one of the two direct qualification spots to the next round. Oman had managed to reach the Round of 16 in the last edition before falling to Tunisia.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to rely heavily on the team’s most experienced figures, including Ali al Busaidy, Ahmed al Khamisi, Harib al Saadi, Abdullah Fawaz and other key players. The Portuguese tactician will aim to combine their leadership with tactical adjustments designed to challenge a Moroccan side filled with depth, quality and impressive momentum.
BIG CHALLENGE
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Coach Queiroz acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead but emphasised that Oman will approach the match with ambition. “We are not just thinking about the current moment as we are rebuilding the team and strengthening it for the future,” he said. “But today, we play to win. We do not progress in football unless we step onto the pitch with a victory mentality.”
“The three points are vital as the match offers deeper strategic objectives. My goal today is not only to win but also to evaluate the strategic approaches that best serve Oman moving forward. Playing with different tactics including with a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 system. we want to test what helps us face big goals with confidence.”
Addressing his past record, Queiroz said:“ Yes, I have defeated Morocco twice before as a coach, but we do not win with the past. We win by preparing strongly in the present. Morocco have excellent players and we respect them. The most important thing is credibility when we walk off the pitch, we must feel we gave everything honestly.”
Oman midfielder Abdullah Fawaz affirmed the team’s determination. “Morocco are a powerful and tough team but we are ready. We have no option except to win. Our target is three points so that we can continue in the competition,” he said.
“In football, the mentally prepared team that makes fewer mistakes will prevail. We hope to be that team tomorrow,” he added.
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