Al Azani reshapes Oman youth squad ahead of next phase

MUSCAT: Oman’s youth national team has entered a new phase of assessment and rebuilding as head coach Hamad al Azani continues to widen the selection base before the team’s upcoming international commitments. The latest internal camp, now underway in Muscat until May 11, reflects a clear attempt by the technical staff to test form, refresh competition for places and identify players capable of adapting quickly to the demands of international football.

Al Azani has named a 25-player squad drawn from several domestic clubs, with Al Amerat heavily represented. The list includes Hassan al Hanai of Bahla; Yazan al Khaldi and Saad al Maamari of Saham; Abdullah al Balushi, Mohammed al Hashim, Al Azhar al Saadi and Abdulaziz al Manwari of Al Musannah; Ali al Alawi, Muadh al Hanai, Mubarak al Amri and Ahmed al Rahbi of Seeb.

Oman are also expected to hold an overseas camp in Egypt, featuring two international friendlies against Egypt’s youth team.

Also called up are Abdullah al Saadi, Ibrahim al Qasmi, Al Hassan al Qasmi, Ahmed al Amrani, Fahad al Mashaikhi, Ziyad al Faraji, Muzn al Hanai, Al Waleed al Buraidi and Ahmed al Rawahi of Al Amerat; Fahad Bait Rabee and Mohammed al Sameen of Al Nasr; Issam al Mukhaini and Abdullah al Araimi of Al Orouba; and Ahmed al Fahdi of Izki.

The camp list carries several changes compared with the previous gathering. Abdulmunim al Habsi, Wabran al Saadi, Maktoum al Saadi, Elyas al Ghadani and Awadh al Saadi have been omitted, while Fahad al Mashaikhi, Al Azhar al Saadi, Saad al Maamari and Abdullah al Araimi have returned to the squad.

Al Azani has named a 25-player squad drawn from several domestic clubs, with Al Amerat heavily represented.

The Junior Red Warriors recently concluded another internal camp in Muscat, held from April 20 to May 2, with 26 players. During that programme, the team played two preparatory matches against armed forces teams, losing 3-1 to the Royal Navy of Oman before drawing 1-1 with the Royal Army of Oman.

That camp was notable for the inclusion of 15 new names, seven of whom came from the national junior team. Eight others received their first call-ups after impressing in the 2025-2026 youth league. Al Azani’s selections have also sparked interest after several familiar names were left out.

Oman are also expected to hold an overseas camp in Egypt, featuring two international friendlies against Egypt’s youth team, as the technical staff continue to shape the squad for the next stage.