MUSCAT: The Oman Under-20 team will have a busy intensive preparation programme ahead of its crucial participation in the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled to take place between August 25 and September 6. The young Red Warriors were placed in Group E alongside regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia, hosts Qatar and Hong Kong in what is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the qualification campaign.
Speaking to Oman Observer, Salah al Thuwaini, manager of Oman U20 team, acknowledged the difficulty of the group but expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to compete strongly for qualification. “Oman team was drawn in a very competitive group which can almost be described as a Gulf group alongside Hong Kong”, Salah said.
“Qatar will certainly benefit from home advantage and crowd support while Saudi Arabia is considered one of the strongest teams in Asia at this age category and among the favourites for qualification. Hong Kong may have the lowest ranking in the group, but modern football no longer recognises easy matches”, he added.
Despite the strong competition, Salah believes the Omani side has a realistic opportunity to secure qualification to the final tournament, which will take place in China next March.
“Oman team will have a good chance to qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup finals in China, but achieving this target will require serious work, discipline and a comprehensive preparation programme to ensure the players reach the required technical and physical readiness”, he explained.
The qualification format for the new edition includes 32 teams divided into eight groups of four teams each. The eight group winners, along with the seven best second-placed teams, will secure qualification to the 43rd edition of the continental championship. Meanwhile, the bottom-placed teams in each group will be relegated to the Development Phase for the subsequent edition of the competition.
ADJUSTMENTS
Salah confirmed that the national team’s technical staff, led by experienced Omani coach Hamed al Azzani, has already developed a detailed preparatory programme designed to maximise the team’s readiness before the qualifiers begin. “The coaching staff had previously prepared an initial plan that included an overseas camp in East Asia, but following the draw, adjustments will be made to better suit the nature of our group and the level of opposition”, he clarified.
The Oman U20 team will begin the next phase of preparations with a domestic training camp in Muscat from June 12 to 21. During this camp, the team management is aiming to arrange two friendly matches scheduled for June 18 and June 21. “These friendly matches will be very important for evaluating the players, improving tactical organisation and building stronger harmony within the squad”, Salah noted.
Following the Muscat camp, the team is expected to continue preparations through a series of training camps in Salalah during July and August, taking advantage of the favourable weather conditions and training environment in Dhofar Governorate. In addition, an overseas training camp is also being planned before the qualifiers to provide the players with further competitive exposure and final tactical preparations.
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