5 days ago
Oman U-23 edge Bahrain in Bishkek International friendly opener
MUSCAT, JULY 18
The Oman U-23 Olympic team began their campaign in style at the four-team international friendly in Bishkek city, Kyrgyzstan with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday. The only goal of Oman team scored by Abdulaziz al Shaqsi in the second half of the match sealing a well-deserved win at Dostuk Arena in Besh-Kungey village. The match saw a balanced first half with both sides testing each other's defenses but failing to convert chances. It was in the second half that Oman showed more urgency as Abdulaziz al Shaqsi managed to break the deadlock and score a decisive strike.
In another match of the same event, the hosts Kyrgyzstan suffered to a 2-1 defeat against Syria on Thursday at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek city. Oman team will take on the hosts Kyrgyzstan on Sunday and then they will wrap up their fixtures against Syria on Wednesday.
The tournament served as a key preparatory stage for Oman's participation in the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is scheduled in September. Oman drawn in Group F, alongside Iraq, Pakistan, and hosts Cambodia. Their qualifier campaign will begin on September 3 against Cambodia, followed by matches against Iraq on September 6, and Pakistan on September 9. Only the group winners and the four best second-placed teams will advance to the finals in Saudi Arabia. Under the guidance of head coach Badar al Maimani, the Olympic squad is undergoing intensive preparations to ensure peak performance in the qualifiers. The Bishkek tournament is a pivotal step in that journey, offering the players competitive exposure in an international setting.
Following the participation at four-team international friendly in Bishkek city, the team will return to Oman to compete in a high-profile four-team tournament in Salalah starting from July 27 to August 3. This event will feature top-tier competition including reigning Omantel League champions Seeb Club, His Majesty's Cup holders Al Shabab, Omantel League runners-up Al Nahdha, and Salalah based clubs including Al Nasr and Dhofar. The Salalah event is set to provide both national and domestic sides with high-level match readiness ahead of their respective competitions.
Coach Badar al Maimani has called up 24 players for the Bishkek assignment, including a mix of young emerging talents who are expected to gain valuable match exposure and international experience through the tournament. This friendly event is more than a warm-up as the players will enter into the mood of actual matches and will enhance their preparations ahead of Oman's road to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
Squad:
Jawad al Azi, Osama al Mahrouqi, Nasser al Saqri, Sameer al Hatmi, Said al Ghanbousi, Abdullah al Jabri, Abdulaziz al Shaqsi, Loqman al Jadidi, Mohammed Abdulhakim, Rashad al Dhaeen, Osama Majdi, Ziyad al Rasbi, Turki Abdullah, Nayef Faraj, Sultan al Marzooq, Mohammed al Oraibi, Ahed al Mashakheyi, Abdulaleem al Rawahi, Ali al Balushi, Abdulhadi al Manwari, Ibrahim al Kindi, Masoud al Bahri, Hamed al Naimi and Yassar al Balushi.
