MUSCAT: Oman national team has a great future in making the country proud by winning laurels both at homeland and international matches and it is just a matter of time before they enhance their defensive skills as well as attacking front, says ace Indian footballer Anas Edathodika.
Anas, who represented India at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and made his senior international debut for India in 2017 in a 3-2 friendly win against Cambodia, was in Oman to attend the Soccer Carnival organised by Indian daily 'Gulf Madhyamam' recently and feted the winners and runners-up.
In a tete-a-tete with the Observer, Anas observed that the first Gulf Cup winners have a long way to go before they win global titles from across the continents.
“When you take the history, Oman were able to pull off a historic win over Japan in the Asian qualifiers for Qatar 2022, thanks to both the team and goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi for their immaculate performance in compiling all their tactics in their defence mechanism as well as in securing better position against the opponents,” said Anas.
The centre-back, who is currently the defender of the Gokulam Kerala FC, lauded the efforts of expatriate football clubs which are making headways in promoting the game among the residents as well.
"Oman has made headways in football over the past several decades and a well-planned and executed strategy is what is required before it could bring global titles home," he added.
The Soccer Carnival saw 16 football teams from across the country vying for the top spots at the Bausher Club Stadium, thanks to the first of its kind ‘Soccer Carnival 2024’, that aimed to offer two days packed with adrenaline rush to the young footballers of the Sultanate of Oman.
Organised by 'Gulf Madhyamam’, which is the first international Indian newspaper and the only one being printed in Oman, in association with KMFA – Kerala Muscat Football Association, a body of footballers from both countries. The sevens football tournament was one of its kind which capital city hasn’t witnessed hitherto.
The kick-off took place for group-stage matches whereas quarterfinals were held the next day, followed by semifinals and final. Winners took home RO 600 cash along with winner’s trophy and runners-up received trophy and RO 300 in cash. Outstanding players were also honoured and prizes were given away to them.
The carnival with non-stop spot games and events involving the spectators and their families, saw Raj Kalesh, celebrity of family audience, add flavour to the excitement. Special commentator Raashid Kottakkal’s presence added great value to the carnival with his commentary as his skills for boosting the sevens football matches were known beyond the geographical boundaries of his domicile.
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