Balanced Oman squad to chase third Gulf Cup title in Iraq

The Red Warriors will chase their third title in the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup which is returning to Iraq after 44 years.

Coach Branko Ivankovic’s men are in good shape to begin their challenge in the most famous football competition in the Gulf region with a tight match against hosts Iraq on Friday. The match will take place in the Basra International Stadium which can accommodate 10,000 fans.

Two preparatory camps in Muscat and Dubai shaped Red Warriors’ technical preparations to attend in the Gulf Cup as a competitor of the title.

During the Dubai camp, Oman team played two friendly matches against Syria and both games ended for the Sultanate of Oman team on winning note.

From the preparatory matches, coach Branko finalised the starting line-up. The latest training sessions of the team in Basra city in Iraq assisted the coaching staff to have a better view on the player’s fitness and physical level ahead of the tournament start.

Also, the head coach worked during the training session on improvement of the attacking side and building up the harmony among the players.

The Croatian coach selected 23 players to represent Oman’s squad in the Gulf Cup. The announced list featured a mixture of young faces and experienced players including a couple of players from AFC Cup 2022 title holders Seeb.

Mohammed al Musallami, Harib al Saadi and goalkeeper Fayez al Rushedi are the most experienced players besides professional players like Zahir al Aghbari, Omar al Malki and Jameel al Yahmadi.

Al Mundher al Alawi will be one of the key players in the attack side. He will have a crucial role in the forward line-up. He is perfect in finishing as he has scored a lot for the national team in the previous occasions. He will be assisted by Zahir al Aghbari and Essam al Subhi in Iraq.

The four-time winner of best goalkeeper award in the Gulf Cup, Fayez al Rushedi, is among the Red Warriors stars who will ensure to save the national team’s net from opponents against any goal.

Top defender Mohammed al Musallami has played different editions of the Gulf Cup while Harib al Saadi is among the experienced players in the middle line.