Riyadh: Oman will face Iraq at 6:30 pm Oman time as the national team looks to make a strong start in a highly competitive group.
In the other Group A fixture, tournament hosts Saudi Arabia will take on Kuwait at 10 pm at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium as the Gulf Cup gets underway.
Oman, runners-up in the previous two editions of the competition, will be hoping for a positive opening result as they target another place in the semi-finals.
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The national squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, with established players including Harib Al-Saadi, Essam Al-Subhi, Abdullah Fawaz, Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini, Jamil Al-Yahmedi and Khalid Al-Buraiki among those expected to play key roles.
Several new players have also been included in the squad, with the technical staff looking to give them an opportunity to establish themselves and contribute to the team’s campaign.
Speaking ahead of the match, Oman head coach Tarik Sektioui said the Sultanate has traditionally enjoyed a strong presence in the Gulf Cup, with Omani players consistently producing high-level performances.
He said the national team was currently going through a rebuilding phase aimed at developing a strong and competitive side.
Sektioui revealed that between eight and nine new players had been called up across the three training camps conducted by the national team, expressing hope that the squad would produce performances capable of delighting Omani football fans.
The coach said the technical staff had spent the recent period analysing the areas that had affected the team’s performances, focusing on technical, mental, psychological and physical preparation.
He also expressed regret over injuries suffered by some players during training, but stressed that every player selected for the squad possesses qualities that can contribute to the national team’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Oman goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Rawahi praised Saudi Arabia for the organisation and facilities provided for the tournament, saying he expected the latest Gulf Cup edition to feature intense competition and rivalry.
Al-Rawahi also highlighted the importance of Oman’s supporters, saying their presence and backing have a significant impact on the players.
He said the team would work to secure positive results and give Omani fans more memorable moments, while emphasising the importance of mental preparation in a tournament format such as the Gulf Cup.
