Red Warriors conduct first training session

An energetic Oman national team went through their first training session in Kuwait ahead of their crunch opening match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait.

Dr Adnan Ahmed al Ansari, Oman Ambassador in Kuwait, and Shaikh Salim al Wahaiby, Oman Football Association chairman and Omani delegation president in 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup, were present during the two-hour training session at Kadhma Stadium.

The training session included all players, especially the captain of the team Ahmed Kanu and Valeta FC winger Raed Ibrahim who missed the internal camp and Yemen friendly in Muscat.

Dutchman Pim Verbeek focused on the tactical aspects as he has only one day left to his UAE opener which will be on Friday at 22:00 (Oman Time).

During the training session, Khalid Naser Al Roydan, Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, welcomed the Omani delegation and wished a comfortable stay in Kuwait and a best Gulf Cup.

Earlier in the day, OFA chief Salim al Wahaibi conducted a closed meeting with all players, technical and administrative staff to review the latest preparation for the first game against UAE and the tournament in general. Al Wahaibi also gave them a motivational speech to do their best in the competition as the Gulf Cup means a lot for the Omani football fans.

Al Wahaibi then met the Omani media delegation and requested for the support. Group A: UAE Group B: Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, December 22: Kuwait vs Saudi Arabia 7.30 pm; Oman vs UAE 10 pm December 23: Qatar vs Yemen 7.30 pm; Bahrain vs Iraq 10 pm December 25: UAE vs Saudi Arabia 7.30 pm; Kuwait vs Oman 10 pm December 26: Yemen vs Bahrain 7.30 pm; Iraq vs Qatar 10 pm December 28: Kuwait vs UAE 7.30 pm; Saudi Arabia vs Oman 7.30 pm December 29: Iraq vs Yemen 7.30 pm; Qatar vs Bahrain 7.30 pm January 2: Semifinals January 5: Final (All Oman times)