Exciting draw for Fifa Arab Cup

Oman face Somalia in qualifier to book spot in finals Doha city hosted the draw of the first edition of Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2021 at Katara Opera House late on Tuesday. Oman legend Ali al Habsi was one of the guests who attended the draw function. The 16-team tournament will be held from November 30 to December 8. Oman will play in Group A if they win the qualifier match against Somalia. Group A will consist hosts Qatar, Iraq, winner of Bahrain and Kuwait match, winner of Oman and Somalia match in the qualifier. The 16 participating teams are divided into four groups. Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Syria and winner of Mauritania and Yemen match are placed in Group B. Morocco will play in Group C comprising Saudi Arabia, winner of Jordan and South Sudan match and winner of Palestine and Comoros fixture. Meanwhile, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon or Djibouti and Libya or Sudan are clubbed in Group D. Seven teams from the qualifiers will join the top nine highest-ranked teams, including host country Qatar for the group matches which will begin from December 1 in Doha and conclude on December 8. The top two teams from each group, will qualify to the quarterfinals which will be played by knockout stage moving to the semifinals, third/fourth place play-off match and final of the championship. Shaikh Salim al Wahaibi, Chairman of Oman Football Association (OFA), commented after the draw ceremony saying that participation of Oman national football team at Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2021 is considered a major event. “We are looking forward to a positive outcome from our team in their participation at this high-profile tournament. Also, we are fully confident that Oman national football team will compete strongly with other teams and we are assured of our technical staff and players to deliver high technical performance,” he added. The OFA chief pointed out that the Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2021 championship is considered an important tournament to all the Arab countries especially after Fifa’s approval of the event. “ We are confident that Qatar will organise the event successfully and it is a significant rehearsal prior to top major event of Fifa 2022 World Cup.,” he ended The Fifa Arab Cup event in Doha city will play a significant role ahead of Qatar ‘hosting the Fifa 2022 World Cup. The top tournament will serve as a proper dress rehearsal for the organisers to examine readiness of the infrastructure, operations and logistics prior to a year from the kick-off for the 2022 World Cup. The draw: Group A: Qatar, Iraq, Oman or Somalia & Bahrain or Kuwait Group B: Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Syria & Mauritania or Yemen Group C: Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Jordan or South Sudan & Palestine or Comoros Group D: Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon or Djibouti & Libya or Sudan   Adil Al Balushi MUSCAT, April 28