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As India gets ready to face Oman in a crucial World Cup qualifier, we take a look at some the best players from the visiting team. The team has a wealth of experience and will be heading into the match as favourites. But do you know who their best players are?
Here we take a look at the five best players of Oman who could pose a danger for the Blue Tigers.
Ali Al-Habsi: Goalkeeper
Being the captain of the team, Ali Al-Habsi will have to carry Oman through this tough opening test in the World Cup qualifier. Al-Habsi is one of the most capped player, 108, in the Oman squad and his teammates would look to him for inspiration at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 11th June.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has played more than 110 Premier League matches, winning the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic. He has played in Norway, Oman, England and brings with him a safe pair of hands which could very well turn out to be India’s nemesis on the night.
Saad Al-Mukhaini (Defender)
This defender plays in Al-Oruba SC in the Oman Professional League. Standing at 5 ft 7 inches, he does not boast a tall frame, but is a talented player no doubt, having had a trial with Premier League giants Arsenal back in 2012.
He has spent all of his club career in Oman and made his debut for the national team back in 2009. He has the enviable record of having won the league with three different clubs back home. At 27, he is at the prime of his career and has made an astonishing 71 appearances for the national side. The Indian strikers will do well to score with this defender manning the Omani defence.
Ahmed Mubarak Al-Mahaijri (Midfielder)
Al-Oruba SC defensive midfielder Ahmed Mubarak Al-Mahaijri comes from a football family with his elder brother also representing the same club. Having played in 4 different countries – Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar – and at the age of 30, he brings to the national side plenty of experience.
He made his national team debut in 2003 and has made a record 122 appearances so far. Despite being the deepest lying midfielder, he has scored 12 goals for the national team. It will be an interesting battle between him and Bengaluru FC attacker Eugeneson Lyngdoh.
Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali (Forward)
Playing as a striker for the national team, the Omani team would rely on him to provide the goals. Aged just 26, he brings youthful exuberance to the side and plenty of energy as well. Standing at just 1 inch short of 6 feet, Abdulaziz can be a handful in the air for the Indian defence.
The Indian defenders would have their hands full with this tall striker. He has scored 16 goals in 44 appearances for the national team so far.
Amad Al-Hosni (Forward)
Amad Al-Hosni is Oman national team’s top scorer with 36 goals in 112 appearances. At 5 ft 11 inches, he has the height to take advantage of the Indian defence’s aerial vulnerability. The Indian defenders would need to be on their toes as he is quick on his feet as well as being strong to hold the ball up.
He brings with him European experience, having played in the Belgium pro league for Sporting Charleroi for the 2009-2010 season. The 30-year old has represented 9 clubs including clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar apart from Oman.
