MUSCAT: Oman’s national under-17 football team concluded their two-match friendly series against Bahrain on a positive note after securing a 2-0 victory in the second encounter at the Police Stadium in Muscat on Sunday evening.
The young Red Warriors responded strongly after suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat in the opening friendly, with the second match providing another valuable test for the squad as they continue preparations for their upcoming regional and continental assignments.
The Bahrain double-header formed part of Oman’s internal training camp in Muscat, which began on August 6 and concludes on August 17. The camp has allowed the technical staff to work closely with the players and assess their progress through daily training sessions and competitive matches.
Under national head coach Ahmed bin Salim Bait Said, Oman have focused during the camp on strengthening the technical and tactical aspects of their game while also raising the players’ fitness levels. The two friendlies offered the coaching staff an opportunity to test different combinations, assess individual performances and identify areas for further improvement ahead of the next phase of preparations.
Sunday’s victory represented an encouraging response from the squad following the opening loss, allowing Oman to end the camp’s competitive programme with a win and a clean sheet. With competition for places continuing among the players, the coaching staff have been using the preparation period to gradually shape the squad ahead of the more demanding assignments later in the year.
The current camp features a 24-player squad comprising Abdullah al Zaabi, Nahidh Bait Jameel, Mohammed al Hinai, Mohammed al Kazroni, Ahmed al Mukhaini, Ziyad al Maamari, Bashar al Shamsi, Mohammed al Balushi, Hassan al Balushi, Nayer Bait Ardheen, Saif al Jabri, Jassim al Dawood, Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Jihad al Shukaili, Sultan al Balushi, Al Mulhim al Sulaimi, Abdulrahman al Hashmi, Abdullah Issa, Nadir al Noobi, Rakan al Jabri, Abdulrahim al Twairshi, Mohammed al Omrani, Said Bait Rajab and Mohammed al Maqbali.
Oman are expected to continue their build-up with two further internal camps in Muscat next month, which are also planned to include several friendly matches.
The team’s main continental target is the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers in November. Oman will host one of the qualifying groups in Salalah from November 8 to 20, while the qualifying draw will take place at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on August 27.
Oman have been placed in Pot 1 for the draw, and the upcoming preparation programme will be crucial as the young Red Warriors look to make the most of home advantage and compete for a place in the continental finals.
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