MUSCAT: Oman’s national under-20 football team played out a 1-1 draw with Syria in the first of two international friendly matches at the Royal Court Affairs Stadium in Muscat on Thursday, as both sides continued their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
The encounter provided another competitive test for the young Red Warriors at an important stage of their preparations, with head coach Hamad al Azzani continuing to assess his options before the squad turns its full attention to the continental qualifiers in Doha.
The draw extended Oman’s programme of international matches designed to give the players competitive exposure and allow the technical staff to work on the team’s organisation and combinations ahead of the qualifying campaign.
With the qualifiers approaching, the two matches against Syria carry particular importance as they come during the closing stages of Oman’s current domestic camp. The first encounter gave Al Azzani and his staff an opportunity to evaluate the players against a side that is also preparing for the same continental competition.
Oman and Syria will meet again on Sunday, August 16, in their second friendly before the young Red Warriors conclude their current camp the following day. The return fixture will offer the coaching staff another opportunity to assess the squad and make further adjustments ahead of the trip to Qatar.
Oman will compete in Group E of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers alongside hosts Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, China. The young Red Warriors open their campaign against Qatar on August 31 before facing Saudi Arabia on September 3 and Hong Kong, China, on September 6.
Syria, meanwhile, have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Uzbekistan, India and Bangladesh.
With only a short period remaining before the continental challenge, Oman will look to make the most of the second Syria friendly as Al Azzani works towards having his squad ready for three decisive qualifying matches in Doha.
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