MUSCAT, SEPT 17
Oman’s Under-20 national football team coaching staff prepared an ambitious preparatory programme ahead of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 with the technical staff aiming to build a competitive squad capable of making a strong impact at the continental finals. The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 is scheduled to take place from March 24 to April 10, 2027, with the draw for the finals expected to be held in China in December.
The Oman team had secured its place among the finalists after finishing as one of the seven best runners-up in the qualification campaign, joining Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Thailand, India and Malaysia in progressing to the continental finals. Oman had finished second in Group E behind Saudi Arabia, who topped the group with nine points. Oman collected four points, while Qatar finished third with three points and Hong Kong fourth with one point.
Oman had opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Qatar before suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia. The team concluded the group campaign with a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong. With qualification secured, the attention now turned towards building the team for the much tougher challenge that awaits in China.
Speaking to Oman Observer, Salah Thuwaini, manager of the national U20 team, said the technical preparation plan has been prepared and is awaiting approval. “We have set a clear plan and target, under the guidance of experienced Omani coach Hamed al Azzani, to ensure that we make a strong showing at the upcoming Asian Cup,” Thuwaini said.
He explained that the coaching staff will closely monitor the ongoing U20 League to identify additional players who could strengthen the squad. “We will continue monitoring the players in the U20 League and look for more options in different positions. There are some gaps that we need to address, including finding the right goalkeeper, as well as strengthening other key positions in both defence and attack,” he said.
THREE INTERNAL CAMPS
According to Thuwaini, the intensive phase of preparation will begin in December, with three technical camps planned in Muscat. The camps will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the players, develop tactical understanding and gradually build the squad ahead of the Asian finals. Oman are also planning a series of domestic friendly matches against Jindal League clubs and military teams as part of the preparation programme.
“The idea behind playing against senior teams is to expose our players to a higher level of physical and competitive intensity,” Thuwaini said. “These matches will help them gain the experience and confidence required to compete against strong Asian teams.”
The matches are expected to form an important part of the technical programme, particularly as the young Omani players prepare to face opponents with greater physical strength and experience.
OVERSEAS CAMP AFTER DRAW
The next stage of Oman’s preparations will be determined after the Asian Cup draw in December. Once the team knows its opponents and group, the coaching staff will finalise the external camp programme and select suitable opponents for friendly matches. Thuwaini said the current plan is to hold an overseas camp in either Japan or South Korea, with the objective of giving the players an opportunity to adapt to the environment and conditions they may encounter in East Asia.
“After knowing our group in December, we will finalise the external camps. Oman will be in the third pot, while Pot One is expected to include Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and hosts China,” he said.
“The current plan is to have a camp in Japan or South Korea subject to OFA approval. This will help the players adapt to the environment and conditions and give them valuable experience before the Asian Cup,” he concluded.
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