KUWAIT: The match, set for 6:25 pm Oman time at Kuwait’s Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Stadium, holds significant weight in Oman’s quest to reach the semi-finals.

With just one point after a 1-1 draw with Kuwait in the opening round, Oman aims to secure a decisive victory against a Qatari side that also drew 1-1 with the UAE in their opener. Both teams are evenly matched, heightening the stakes for the encounter.

“Our match tomorrow with the Qatari team is very important after the end of the first round, and we respect the Qatari team that has a group of distinguished players. The match requires a great deal of effort and mental presence, and winning it is a big step towards qualification, and thus the final round will be in a comfortable position,” Oman coach Rashid Jaber emphasized in a pre-match press conference. While he downplayed the idea of the game being a do-or-die scenario, Jaber expressed confidence in his team’s potential to progress in the tournament. He also highlighted the readiness of key player Salah Al Yahyaei and efforts to improve decision-making in attack.

Qatar’s Spanish coach Luis Garcia acknowledged the challenge posed by Oman’s dynamic and counter-attacking style but expressed optimism in his squad’s preparation.

The Omani squad will conduct their final training session tonight at Khaitan Stadium, fine-tuning tactics and lineups. Iraqi referee Muhannad Qasim will officiate the match, supported by an international VAR team led by Chinese official Fu Ming.

Historically, Qatar has had the upper hand in Gulf Cup meetings, winning 10 out of the last 15 encounters. Oman, however, looks to rewrite the script and strengthen its position before Friday’s concluding group-stage match against the UAE.

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