Muscat: Oman’s head coach Jaroslav Silhavy applauded players show despite the weather conditions to register crucial 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on Thursday in the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 for the Fifa World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 for Group D games. In the same group, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia clash ended by a 1-1 draw. This meant, Oman sealed berth into the next stage of joint qualifiers ahead of Kyrgyzstan’s tie in Muscat on Tuesday.
Silhavy expressed his joy following the positive result against Chinese Taipei. “I am very pleased with the triumph. We could score more goals in the game if we benefited from the missed opportunities,” he said post the game.
“The opening half was somewhat difficult as the team players missed several opportunities from which we could have scored more goals. In the following half, there were much better possession of the ball and we were able to add two goals and seal the win. Now, we will shift our focus for the main forthcoming game in Muscat against Kyrgyzstan,” said the Czech coach.
The star of the match, Abdul Rahman al Mushefri, who delivered two goals for the team besides one goal from Jameel al Yahmadi secured significant victory for the team and confirmed team’s progression to the next round of the qualifiers. Following the completion of the fifth round games, Oman led the group with 12 points while Kyrgyzstan dropped to the second position with 10 points following their 1-1 draw against Malaysia in Bishkek.
Oman’s star Al Mushefri said that the triumph registered after a strong game which was accompanied with difficult weather conditions especially in the first half. “Despite all the changes, we managed as a team to deliver a great match. We followed the coach's instructions and were the better side in the filed. Our target was to claim the three points and move to the forthcoming round and this happened as per the plan,” he added.
Oman captain Mohammed al Musallami said:” Congratulations to the coaching staff and the team players for this essential win. The plan was to end the game with the winning points and this occurred. The match played in stadium that was not fit for us but we managed to overcome the challenge. Our players' physical and tactical levels were the best as the season recently ended and the players joined the national team camp. The next match against Kyrgyzstan is very crucial game for us as we are planning to ensure the team as topper of the group.”
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