MUSCAT: The Red Warriors are all set to commence their historic AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 campaign as they take on Iraq in a key opening game of Group B at Basra International Stadium on Thursday. The Omani delegation arrived in Basra on Tuesday afternoon to begin their final warm-up ahead of the crucial clash, which starts at 20:00 (Oman time) on Thursday.
Upon arrival in Iraq, the Oman team players began their final technical preparations on Tuesday night at Al Faiha Stadium under the watchful eyes of head coach Jaroslav Silhavy. All the players are in good shape and fully prepared to play their opening match.
Oman had a comprehensive training programme ahead of the qualifiers, including a three-week external camp in Spain. During the overseas camp in Spain, the national team played two vital matches. The first preparatory match ended with a 5-0 win for Oman against Racing Murcia City. The only goal in the second warm-up match was scored by Salah al Yahyaei in the 45th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Real Oviedo FC.
Later, the team held a short domestic camp in Muscat Governorate after three rounds of the Omantel League. The coaching staff are well informed on each player’s technical status and performance, allowing them to announce the starting line-up for the upcoming matches during the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26.
Oman will be looking for a bright start in their third appearance in the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 for the second successive edition. The Red Warriors are very optimistic this time as the draw placed them in Group B, which comprises South Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Kuwait. The team will commence their campaign in the qualifiers against Iraq in Basra on September 5. The second match is against South Korea in Muscat on September 10, which is expected to be a crucial game.
Later, the Red Warriors will face Kuwait on October 10 in Muscat, followed by a match against Jordan on October 15 in Amman. The first leg matches will conclude with a match against Palestine on November 14. The second leg matches will begin as Oman hosts Iraq in Muscat on November 19 before travelling to Seoul to face South Korea on March 20, 2025, and then Kuwait on March 25, 2025. Oman will then return to play a home game against Jordan in Muscat on June 5, 2025, and the concluding game against Palestine is scheduled for June 10, 2025, in an away match.
Oman Squad: Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Fayez al Rushedi, Ibrahim al Rajhi, Ahmed al Khamisi, Mohammed al Musallami, Khalid al Buraiki, Ghanim al Habshi, Ali al Busaidy, Ahmed al Kaabi, Amjad al Harthy, Abdulaziz al Shmoosi, Arshad al Alawi, Harib al Saadi, Abdullah Fawaz, Zaher al Aghbari, Jameel al Yahmadi, Omar al Malki, Sultan al Marzooq, Nasser al Rawahi, Issam al Subhi, Abdulrahman al Mushefri, Mohsin al Ghassani, Mohammed bin Mubarak al Ghafri and Mohammed bin Humaid al Ghafri.
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