a day ago
Oman Olympic in training camp in Russia for AFC Qualifiers
MUSCAT, JUNE 7
The Oman U-23 national team is currently engaged in an intensive external training camp in Moscow as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is scheduled to take place in early September. Led by head coach Badar al Maimani and his assistant Sultan al Tooqi, the team kicked off their sessions immediately after arriving in Russia last Sunday. The training program has placed strong emphasis on physical conditioning and tactical development, aiming to ensure optimal player readiness for the crucial qualification stage.
The camp will conclude with a friendly fixture against FC Saturn Ramenskoye on Tuesday, allowing the coaching staff to further evaluate player performance in competitive conditions. The team played two friendly games against Russia team as the first warm up game ended for the hosts Russia team as they managed to defeat Oman by 1-0. The second math was played late on Saturday.
The current Russia camp came after a comprehensive domestic training phase took place in Muscat last May where the team played two warm-up matches including a 2-1 defeat to the Royal Court Affairs team and a goalless draw with the Royal Navy of Oman.
Oman is set to compete in Group F of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers alongside Iraq, Pakistan, and hosts Cambodia. The qualification matches will be held from September 1 to 9, 2025. A total of 45 teams are participating in the qualifiers, with the group winners and the best four runners-up earning a place in the 2026 finals in Saudi Arabia, joining the hosts.
Coach Badar al Maimani's squad enters the qualifiers with strong momentum, having secured the West Asian Championship title last March in Muscat. Their unbeaten run in that tournament featuring victories over Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan and this title highlighted the team's growing potential and has boosted their morale heading into the Asian campaign.
