Muscat, August 30
Oman U-19 football team is all set to begin their campaign at AFC U-19 Asian Cup qualifiers which will take place in Salalah during September 12 to 18. Oman are placed in Group G besides Philippines, Afghanistan and Thailand.
Oman’s junior boys will meet Philippines in the opener on September 16 and then will play against Afghanistan in the following encounter. In the concluding game, Oman will face off Thailand on September 18. All the matches will be held at Al Saada Sports Complex venue. Among 10 groups, the topper in each group besides five best runners-up will join hosts Uzbekistan in the 2023 Finals.
On Tuesday, the team ended the preparatory abroad camp in Turkey after playing several preparatory games. Oman team, coached by Spanish coach David Grodo, managed to win the opening warm-up game against Turkey’s Sakaryaspor 3-2. Oman’s goals were scored by Mohammed Abdulhakeem (2) and Abdulaleem al Rawahi.
Mamoon al Oraimi was the star of the second friendly match as he netted both goals and helped the team beat Kojali Spur club 2-1. The third victory of the national team was over Saudi’s Al Raid club 1-0 after the defender of opponent team scored an own goal. In the concluding game, Oman boys thrashed Turkish Eyupspor club 4-0. Oman’s goals were struck by Khalid al Sulaimi, Mamoon al Oraimi, Abdulmajeed al Balushi and Salim al Abri.
The team will have a final domestic preparatory camp in Salalah ahead of the qualifiers. The coaching staff will focus on the final camp to finalise the starting line-up and implementing various technical and tactical sessions. The national junior team will aim in the qualifiers to ensure presence of Oman in the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan, which will be held from March 1 to 18, 2023.
