India hold Oman goalless in friendly

Adil Al Balushi  - MUSCAT, Dec 28 - Oman team was held to a goalless draw by India late on Thursday at Bani Yas Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match was held behind closed doors according to the interests from both the team managements. The preparatory match was held as part of both teams preparation for AFC Asian Cup which will be held in UAE after seven days. Pim Verbeek, Oman head coach, started the match with Fayez al Rushaidi as goalkeeper. Khalid al Beriki, Saad Suhail, Mohammed al Musalami, Ali al Busaidi and Harib al Saadi in the defence. Ahmed Mubarak, Mohsin Jawhar, Raed Ibrahim and Jameel al Yahmadi were in the midfield and Khalid al Hajri was the lone forward. The Dutchman substituted many players during the second half of the match. Ahmed al Rawahi, Mahmood al Mushaifri, Salah al Yahyai, Moutaz Abdo Rabuh and Ali al Jabri were replaced with Fayez al Rushaidi, Saad Suhail, Mohsin Jawher, Harib al Saadi and Ali al Busaidi, respectively. Oman will face Asian Cup defending champion, Australia, in a friendly match on Sunday as a second preparatory match in the current external camp. The last friendly match of the national team will take place on January 2 against Thailand ahead of the AFC Asian Cup by three days. As all the friendly matches will get over, the head coach and technical team will have a better view for the best squad for the AFC Asian Cup which will represent the Sultanate team.