Oman U20 fall to Egypt in opening friendly

MUSCAT: Oman’s national youth football team began their overseas camp in Egypt with a useful competitive test, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat against Egypt U20 in their first international friendly at the Sports Centre Stadium in 6th of October City, Cairo.

The result was not the main concern for head coach Hamad al Azzani, who used the match to examine several players under real pressure and assess how the squad responded technically, physically and mentally against a strong opponent. The friendly formed part of Oman’s external training camp in Egypt, which continues until May 18 as the team prepares for a demanding period of regional and continental competitions.

Oman U20 players during a training session at their recent internal camp in Muscat.

Oman will meet Egypt U20 again on Sunday in a second friendly, giving the technical staff another opportunity to review the players’ progress and address the shortcomings that appeared in the opening match. Al Azzani is expected to focus on improving concentration, decision-making and defensive organisation, while also testing different combinations across the pitch.

The camp features 24 players selected from a number of domestic clubs. The squad includes Hassan al Hinai of Bahla; Yazan al Khaldi and Saad al Maamari of Saham; Ali al Alawi, Muadh al Hinai, Mubarak al Amri and Ahmed al Rahbi of Seeb; 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 Buraidy and Ahmed al Rawahi of Al Amerat.

The Oman national youth football team step up preparations during their latest internal camp.

Also included are Fahad Bait Rabee and Mohammed al Sameen of Al Nasr; Mohammed al Hashim and Abdulaziz al Manwari of Al Musannah; Issam al Mukhaini and Abdullah al Araimi of Al Orouba; Ahmed al Fahdi of Izki; and Al Azhar al Saadi of Al Suwaiq.

The Egypt camp is considered an important stage in shaping the final identity of the team, especially as Al Azzani continues to evaluate the players’ ability to adapt to international tempo and tactical discipline. The coaching staff are also monitoring levels of harmony, match fitness and psychological readiness before deciding on the next phase of preparations.

Oman U20 are building towards key assignments, including the Arab Cup and the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers. The second meeting with Egypt is expected to provide a clearer picture of the squad’s development and the areas that still require work before the team enters its official competitions.