Muscat: The experienced national coach, Abdulaziz al Riyami, urged Oman’s players to maintain concentration and composure in their semifinal clash against Saudi Arabia in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, emphasising the importance of disciplined play and strategic execution.
The match will take place at Jaber Al Mubarak Stadium in Kuwait on Tuesday at 6:30 pm (Oman time).
“The match against Saudi Arabia will be a tough challenge for both sides,” Al Riyami said.
“Saudi Arabia demonstrated their strength with an impressive victory over Iraq in their last game. They are highly disciplined and boast experienced players who excel on the field.”
Al Riyami highlighted specific strategies to counter Saudi Arabia’s strengths, particularly in midfield. “The coaching staff should focus on dominating the ball in the centre of the field and increasing the number of players in this critical area. Most of Saudi Arabia’s scoring opportunities stem from this zone. A stronger midfield presence can neutralise their attack and reduce their effectiveness,” he explained.
The importance of tighter defensive measures was another key matter which was addressed by Abdulaziz. “The defenders need to implement a man-to-man marking strategy especially to track the movements of Saudi strikers both inside and outside the penalty box. This will minimise their chances of penetration into dangerous areas,” he added.
The domestic coach pointed out some areas where Oman players need to enhance their gameplay, particularly in utilising crosses effectively. “Oman team must diversify their style of play and improve their use of crosses from the flanks to create more opportunities in front of the goal. Additionally, the defensive line needs to be more robust to prevent opponents from breaking through the box,” he said.
Al Riyami emphasised the need for heightened focus during the game, especially in the dying minutes. “In the closing moments of matches, we have seen lapses in concentration like the penalty conceded against the UAE. The players must avoid making unnecessary errors near the penalty area especially in the final minutes,” he cautioned.
Commenting on the absence of key defenders, including Mohammed al Musallami and Amjad al Harthy, Al Riyami expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. “While they are vital players, this situation presents a great opportunity for new faces to step up and deliver at their highest level,” he concluded.
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