‘Foreign players doing world of good’
each. Bausher topped Group B with six points despite going down 2-3 to Dhofar in an earlier game on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the semifinals, Seeb coach Khalid al Raisi said, “It is going to be a very tough match. The ‘Clasico’ between these two clubs have always produced thrilling action with both the teams' players passionate and keen to win. I am hopeful of a good game and Inshallah, a positive result for us.
“I have confidence in my boys and the presence of three top-class players from India and Pakistan have been very good so far for us.”
Raisi said that he would be happy if the prestigious cup is won by one the Muscat-based club as three of them in fray are from capital region.
Pakistan World Cupper and world-class dragflicker Mubashar Ali has provided the much-needed impetus to Seeb and with his countrymate, Muhammad Ateeq, and Indian Junior World Cupper, Abharan Sudev, teaming up well, unbeaten Ahli-Sidab are expected to face their first major test in the tournament.
Ahli-Sidab's coach C R Kumar, a former Indian women's and junior team coach, who is on his
Kumar said that the presence of foreign players in different clubs have raised the intensity of the matches in the second round and this will do a 'world of good' to the young Omani players ahead.
“The Omani players have a good built and few of them have impressed me. However, what I feel is that they lack exposure and they need to play more competitions and face more international teams to develop their potential further,” said Kumar.
In the other semifinal match, Bausher, who were finalist in 2016, have been the team to watch out in this edition under coach Saleh al Farsi.
Bolstered by the presence of former Indian Olympian Pradeep Mor along with India dragflicker Gaganpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh, Farsi's men topped the group comprising defending champions Al Nasr and Seeb with six points.
“It is difficult to maintain the high-level of tempo day after day and despite playing a decent match, we lost to Dhofar 2-3. In a way, it is a good wake-up call for my players ahead of our semifinal against Sohar,” said Farsi.
The former UAE national team coach, who has previously had two stints with Sohar , said, “We will give our best and the boys know that they are a step away from the summit. Sohar is a strong and attacking team and we have to be at our best to get past them.”
Though Nizwa was the weakest team in Group A comprising Ahli-Sidab, Majees and Sohar, the fact that Sohar, coached by former Oman international Hamood al Wahaibi, managed to strike 14 goals in the second round (beat Nizwa 10-0, beat Majees 4-2) underlines their attacking prowess.
Sohar have roped in Egyptian internationals to carry the burden of the club's campaign in this tournament.