Latest news with #FifaWorldCup2026AsianQualifiers
Observer
4 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Oman's Fifa qualifier squad confirmed by coach Rasheed
MUSCAT: With just five days remaining before the decisive final rounds of the Fifa World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers, Oman national team head coach Rasheed Jaber announced officially the final 28 man squad that will represent the national team in the remaining two critical fixtures against Jordan on Thursday in Muscat and Palestine on June 10 in Amman city in Jordan. The finalised list saw inclusion of Tariq al Saadi, the promising forward currently playing for UE Sant Andreu SC in Spain, who impressed during the preparatory friendlies. His selection reflects the coaching staff's focus on injecting new talent into the squad to strengthen the attacking line. However, the squad did not feature Abdulsalam al Shukaili, the top scorer of the Omantel League this season. Despite his domestic form, the coaching team opted for a lineup they believe fits best within the strategic framework and tactical plans for the upcoming qualifiers. Oman's Fifa qualifier squad confirmed by coach Rasheed The announcement of the squad follows Oman's 1-0 victory over Lebanon in a closed-door friendly match which took place on Wednesday night at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Essam al Subhi scored the lone goal in the 4th minute, showcasing sharp form and helping the Red Warriors maintain momentum following an earlier 4-1 win over Niger. After a well-deserved one-day rest on Thursday, the national team reported back to the training sessions on Friday night at Seeb Stadium. The coaching staff, led by Rasheed Jaber and his assistant Yaqoob al Sabahi, are expected to intensify preparations in the remaining five days leading up to the pivotal home match against Jordan on Thursday in a game that falls just one day before Eid Al Adha. Oman's Fifa qualifier squad confirmed by coach Rasheed This match is seen as a do-or-die fixture for Oman, who currently sit fourth in their group with ten points from eight matches, trailing leaders South Korea by six points. A victory against Jordan could revive the team's qualification hopes and set up a dramatic finale against Palestine. With team harmony building, defensive solidity proven and attacking options sharpened, Red Warriors enter the final stretch with determination and belief, ready to deliver for the nation on football's biggest stage. Oman Squad: Fayez al Rushedi, Abdulmalik al Badri, Ahmed al Rawahi, Khalid al Buraiki, Ahmed al Khamisi, Thani al Rushedi, Majid al Saadi, Ghanim al Habshi, Ali al Busaidy, Ahmed al Kaabi, Mulhem al Sunaidy, Hamed al Habsi, Harib al Saadi, Abdullah Fawaz, Arshad al Alawi, Musab al Shaqsi, Al Mundher al Alawi, Abdulrahman al Mushefri, Salah al Yahyaei, Hatim al Roushdi, Jameel al Yahmadi, Hussain al Shahri, Essam al Subhi, Mohsin al Ghassani, Zaher al Aghbari, Tariq al Saadi, Sultan al Marzooq and Mohammed al Ghafri.
Observer
5 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Oman edge Lebanon in final tune-up match
MUSCAT: The Oman national football team edged Lebanon 1-0 in the second closed-door friendly match on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The win provided a crucial morale boost ahead of the decisive upcoming fixtures in the Fifa World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers against Jordan on June 5 in Muscat and Palestine on June 10. The only goal of the match came early in the 4th minute as striker of Iraq's Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Essam al Subhi, calmly converted a low pass inside the penalty area, firing past Lebanese goalkeeper Mustafa Matar. The goal was as a result of quick teamwork and clinical finishing which gave the Red Warriors an early edge that they held onto until the final whistle. Oman and Lebanon players in action Under the leadership of head coach Rasheed Jaber, Oman team players displayed strong dominance in the first half, with noticeable harmony among the starting lineup. The well-structured midfield and cohesive backline helped the team maintain control of the tempo throughout the opening 45 minutes. Lebanon pushed hard in the second half in an attempt to equalise but Red Warriors solid defensive line stood firm. Despite sustained pressure, the visiting side was unable to breach the defense, thanks to well-timed tackles and excellent positioning across all the three lines. During the match, the coaching staff made various substations to stand on the player's technical capabilities and evaluate their final readiness. Oman and Lebanon players in action Coach Rasheed Jaber began the match with the a starting lineup that featured from Fayez al Rushaidi as a goalie; a defensive line comprising from Thani al Rushaidi, Ali al Busaidy, Ahmed al Khamisi and Khalid al Buraiki. The midfielders were Abdulrahman al Mushaifri, Arshad al Alawi, Jameel al Yahmadi and Harib al Saadi while Hamed al Habsi and Essam al Subhi leading the front line. The win served as a morale booster for the national team as they head into two pivotal World Cup qualifying matches against Jordan on June 5 in Muscat and it will be followed by a clash with Palestine on June 10 in Amman city, Jordan.
Observer
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Ghafri hits brace as Oman outclass Niger in friendly
MUSCAT, May 21 Oman national football team outclassed Niger team 4-1 in a friendly game on Tuesday as apart of the underway domestic camp in Muscat to gear up for the two remaining fixtures in the Fifa World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers. The closed-door match, arranged upon the recommendation of both teams' technical staff, featured five goals including four goals for Oman team scored by rising talent Tariq al Saadi who opened the scoring with a penalty in the 25th minute, followed by a brace from Mohammed al Ghafri (45', 46') and a penalty goal from Mohsin al Ghassani in the 86th minute. The first half concluded with Oman leading 3-1, before Ghassani sealed the win in the second half. The second half saw seven substitutions, offering valuable minutes to several squad members including goalkeeper of Al Shabab club AbdulMalik al Badri, Hatim al Roushdi, Yousef al Malki, Ahed al Mashakheyi, Hussain al Shahri, Issa al Naabi, and Mohammed Abdulhakeem. The fixture allowed the coaching staff to focus on improving offensive coordination and reinforcing defensive structures, as well as enhancing player synergy across all lines. Head coach Rasheed Jaber, along with his assistant Yaqoob al Sabahi, used the match as a platform to assess player readiness and fine-tune the squad ahead of the critical qualifiers against Jordan on June 5 in Muscat, and against Palestine on June 10 in Jordan. On the other side, the Oman head coach called up goalkeeper Ahmed al Rawahi and Motasim al Wahaibi to cover the absence of injured Ibrahim al Mukhaini following confirmation from the medical team that Al Mukhaini has sustained a finger injury on his left hand. He is expected to undergo a four-week recovery period under full medical supervision. Oman currently sit in fourth place in their group with 10 points from eight matches, trailing group leaders South Korea by six points with two rounds remaining. The Red Warriors are determined to capitalise on their recent momentum and aim for two decisive victories to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
