Muscat: Fans were delighted to be back in the stadium to support Oman in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening.
People were not permitted to attend sporting events – which were themselves halted for a long time – as part of measures against COVID-19. However, for the match against the Saudis, supporters were allowed to watch the game live, albeit in reduced numbers.
The match was special on a personal level for Abir Al Ghanami, who said, “This was the first time I’d attended a match in a stadium, which featured my national team. I was so happy to be here to watch Oman play Saudi Arabia.”
The Oman game seemed to unite both locals and expatriates to show support for the Red Warriors. Rehan Moosa, an Indian national, took his son Imaad and his friends, who wore red t-shirts to show which team they supported on the night.
“Oman is our second home, my family love it here, and that appreciation goes out to the national team as well,” said Rehan. “Because of all the COVID restrictions, we were unable to take our kids anywhere for a long time, so it was great to be back watching live sports, when this was not possible even a few months ago.
His son Imaad added, “win or lose, we will always support the national team. Oman is a special country with special memories for all of us, so we will naturally come to show our appreciation, especially during such an important match.”
Aarush Das, another of those in attendance, said attending the match was about so much more than just watching the game.
“We haven’t been able to get together and meet for so long – watching the match is about enjoying it with your friends, and the team spirit you feel at the time makes it all the more enjoyable,” he revealed.
The two teens were joined by their friend Pranay Premjeet, who was also overjoyed to be back in the stadium.
“When we went to the stadium, we didn’t even need to talk about where we had to sit…all of us chose the front row because we wanted to be as close to the action as we could,” he said. “I hope Oman get to the World Cup in Qatar. It will mean a lot to all of us and I am 100 percent sure we will be supporting the national team if they get there, regardless of where we come from.”
