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Oman chase win in crunch match

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Anuroop Athiparambath -
ABU DHABI, JAN 16 -
It is a do-or-die match for Oman in the Asian Cup 2019 when the ‘Red Warriors’ take on Turkmenistan in their last match of Group F at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The Pim Verbeek-coached side wants nothing less than a win that will ensure the qualification of Oman as one of the best four third-placed teams.
The match will kick off at 5.30 pm (Oman Time).
Compared to Turkmenistan’s goal difference of -5, Oman have a better goal difference of -2 with both the teams yet to open accounts.
Japan and Uzbekistan have already booked the last 16 spot by winning their first two matches and collecting six points.
On Thursday, they will meet at Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain to decide the group winners.
A win will also see Turkmenistan able to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, while a draw will give Oman a better chance if any.
Though Turkmenistan started promisingly with a 3-2 loss against favourites Japan they slumped to 4-0 loss against Uzbekistan. The heavy defeat has put the Central Asian side in a must-win situation against Oman for a last 16 berth.
Verbeek said Oman are ready for a strong performance against Turkmenistan
“Our players are ready for a strong performance against Turkmenistan to secure the qualification to the next stage,” the Dutchman said.
“We had two tough games before. Though our performance in those matches were good we were unlucky to have the results unfavourable to us,” the Oman head coach said.
Oman had lost narrowly to Uzbekistan (2-1) and Japan (1-0) in their first two matches.
FAYEZ IN GOOD FORM
Gulf Cup hero Fayez al Rushaidi is in top form for the Sultanate after his vigilant efforts kept the margin at 1-0 — only a penalty goal against Japan.
The role of Fayez will once again be crucial in the key match against Turkmenistan.
The lanky goalkeeper along with captain Ahmed Mubarak ‘Kanu’ will be hoping for a positive result in the match as substitutes have also made their mark for Oman.
It is all likely that Verbeek start again with Muhsen al Ghassani instead of Khalid al Hajri, who is having a quiet tournament.
“Muhsen has showed his attacking ability against Japan. He is a promising player for Oman. I hope he grabs his opportunities to make his selection count for the team,” Verbeek said.
Substitute striker Mohammed al Ghassani was also useful for Oman to increase their attacking fire power.
Omani defence has been very compact in the tournament barring some rare mistakes that had cost them dear.
Defenders Mohammed al Musallami and Saad al Mukhaini had two good matches so far and are looking to continue their form against Turkmenistan.
Midfielder Raed Salah had been ordinary so far and coach Verbeek will be looking for some inspirational performance from the talented player on Thursday.
On the other hand, Turkmenistan head coach Yazguly Hojageldyev has promised their fans to rectify the mistakes against Uzbekistan.
“We don’t want to repeat our grievous mistakes. Our players are capable of better performance and we will see that against Oman,” he said.



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