JEDDAH, SEPT 24
Seeb player Nasser al Rawahi, 25, scored the equaliser in the 67th minute to earn Oman a 1-1 draw against Iraq in their Gulf Cup 27 opener on Wednesday night in Jeddah.
The match was the opening Group A fixture of the tournament, which runs in Jeddah until October 6.
Iraq took an early lead through Mohamed Qasim in the sixth minute, with Oman struggling to create clear chances in the first half.
Oman responded after the break, with Al Rawahi producing a stunning strike to bring the Red Warriors level and secure a valuable point.
Nasser al Rawahi said: "The opening match against Iraq was difficult, but Oman were pleased to come away with a point, which he described as better than a defeat”.
“We are looking to make up for it in the next round against Saudi Arabia”.
“Some matches are won rather than played, and our ambition in this tournament is to reach the final”, he added.
SEKTIOUI EXPRESSES SATISFACTION
Oman coach Tarik Sektioui expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance in their opening match,
explaining that earning a point against a strong Iraq side was a positive start despite the desire for victory.
Sektioui, speaking at the post-match press conference, said: “They showed great spirit and high determination. The atmosphere in the dressing room is excellent. Despite the difficulty of the match, they fought until the final moment, and I am proud to coach this group”.
“We watched some quick video clips and I spoke with the players. I am very happy with the way they applied the instructions on the pitch”, the Moroccan coach said.
“I have only overseen three training camps with the national team, which is a very short period to get to know all the players fully”, he said.
“We are still at the beginning and there is a lot of work ahead, especially physically”.
Tarik also stressed that “the national team door remains open to all Omani players, with selection based on performance and merit”.
“We always play to win. That is our culture and identity. If we cannot win, the most important thing is to avoid defeat”, Sektioui concluded.
The Oman Football Association and coach Sektioui have made three changes to the Gulf Cup 27 squad since the tournament began, with Abdullah al Mamari, Musab al Mamari and Abdulsalam al Shukaili replacing Yousuf al Maliki, Arshad al Alawi and Mohsen al Ghassani.
Friday will be the day for the Group A press conferences. Oman’s press conference will be held at 2:30 pm (Oman time) at the Hilton Jeddah.
Oman will play their second match on Saturday against Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Sports City, with kick-off at 10 pm (Oman time).
The other Group A match will see Iraq face Kuwait at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City, with kick-off at 7:55 pm (Oman time.)
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