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Omani Players the Blue Tigers need to watch out for
Ahmed Mubarak Al-Mahaijri is the senior-most outfield player of Oman. With over 150 caps to his name, Ahmed Kano -- as he is known -- brings vital experience to the Omani midfield. The Indian team must watch out for him.
His performances in the 2017-18 Gulf Cup earned him the title of the most valuable player of the tournament. The veteran captain also scored 3 goals during the 3rd round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Abdul Aziz Humaid Mubarak Al-Muqbali is one of the senior strikers in the Omani line-up. The 29-year-old currently plays for Al-Shamal and has terrific goal-scoring prowess.
The prolific forward was also extremely impressive during the third round of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers as he scored 6 goals and was the joint 2nd highest scorer of the tournament along with Kyrgyz footballer Anton Zemlianukhin and Kim Yu-song of DPR Korea.
The veteran forward will hope to make an impact in the Asian Cup as he has been having a comparatively dry run in 2018 (as compared to 2017).
Mohsin Johar Al-Khaldi is an important cog in Oman's midfield. The 26-year-old has a knack of scoring goals as well as providing them. The 26-year-old acts as the pivot in the centre and was impressive for the national team during both the Asia Cup qualifiers and Gulf Cup.
Goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is one who has played in the Premier League before for Bollton and Wigan Athletic. But he is out injured and will miss the tournament altogether. He was substituted during a recent club match in the Saudi Premier League, in which he plays for Al Hilal.
Omani Team:
Goalkeepers: Faiyz Al-Rusheidi
Defenders: Mohammed Al-Maslami, Ali Salim, Ali Al-Busaidi, Abdul Al Mukhaini, Mohammed Al-Rawahi, Nasser Ali Saleh Al Shamli, Jaber Al Owaisi, Saad Suhail Juma Al-Mukhaini, Fahmi Said Rajab Durbein
Midfielders: Salah Al-Yayaei, Harib Al-Saadi, Ali Hilal Saud Al-Jabri, Mohammed Al-Siyabi, Yaseen Al-Sheyadi, Mahmood Al-Mushaifri, Jameel Al-Yahmadi, Harib Al-Saadi, Eid Mohammed Al Farsi, Raed Ibrahim Saleh, Mohsin Al-Khaldi, Qasim Said Sanjoor Hardan, Ahmed Mubarak Obaid Al Mahaijri
Strikers: Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Hajri, Abdul Aziz Humaid Mubarak Al-Muqbali, Said Salim Al-Ruzaiqi, Sami Al-Hasani
India and Oman last clashed at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and Oman were victorious both the times. However, the Blue Tigers look a completely different unit now and can be seen playing with much more intent. It is sure to be an intense encounter. After playing India, Oman will also play friendlies against Australia and Thailand before the Asian Cup.
Pim and his troops should not have much trouble surpassing the Indian challenge. The match against Australia -- the 2nd highest ranked team of the 2019 Asian Cup -- will be a stiffer challenge.
Oman will play their first match of the AFC Asian Cup against Uzbekistan on January 9 at the Sharjah Stadium. They will certainly be high on confidence considering the fact that they are yet to be beaten this year.
