Oman head coach Pim Verbeek is hoping to spring a surprise in the opening encounter against favourites UAE in the 23rd Gulf Cup in Kuwait. The match kicks off at 10 pm Oman Time at Jaber International Stadium. Hosts Kuwait will take on Saudi Arabia at 7.30 (Oman Time) in the opening match of the tournament. Verbeek started the pre-match press conference by answering a very common question about their group and how ready they are for their opener against UAE.
“We had a short internal camp but a very good preparation before arriving in Kuwait. We have the confidence and the capabilities to compete and this is what brought us here,” the Dutchman said. “I cannot guarantee anything but we will do everything to go to the next round.”
“The Arabian Gulf Cup is considered to be the biggest tournament in the Middle East. Since I arrived in Oman, my job list stated on competing in the Asian qualifiers and participating in the Gulf Cup. So I’m very eager not only to participate but also to record an achievement.”
Verbeek was very realistic in his approach.
“I understand that we are not the favourite team to win this tournament because Oman did not qualify for the final round of the World Cup like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar and the UAE. But we are here to surprise because we have a good combination of both young talented players and expert players like Ahmed Kanu whom I expect much from. He is a player with captain’s calibre and we are very pleased to have him with us.”
Verbeek was very serious about the absence of the Omani ace Ali al Habsi.
He said: “I only concentrate on players who are in my selection. I can speak about five to six other players who couldn’t be a part of the selection because of injuries but neither of them is in my circle of focus currently.”
“Oman is lucky to have at least 4 to 5 good goalkeepers and I’m happy and confident with the one I chose in my selection.”
Oman captain Ahmed Kanu said, “we are very excited to start this competition because it’s very important for each player.”
“We are focusing now on our game against UAE. We want to go by each game rather than eyeing the semifinal now,” Kanu added.
Pim Verbeek will likely start against UAE with the 4-2-3-1 formation he applied in Yemen friendly, according to the last training session ahead of the UAE opener.
Verbeek might make some changes compared with Yemen friendly including that: Nader Awadh to replace Fahmi Durbeen in the defence line, Kanu to replace Ali al Jabri, Raed Ibrahim instead of Saud al Farsi, while Abdulaziz al Muqbali will replace Khalid al Hajri in the front.
expected oman line-up:
Goalkeeper: Fayis al Rushidi
Defenders: Saad Suhail (right back) Nader Awadh (centre back) Mohammed al Musalami (centre back), Ali al Busaidi (left back)
Midfielders: Ahmed Kanu and Harith al Sadi
Jamil al Yahmadi (right wing) Mohsen Jawhar (playmaker), Raed Ibrahim (left wing)
Forward: Abdulaziz al Muqbali
Jaber al Ajmi
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