National coach Tariq Al-Saktawi expressed his deep regret over the Omani national team’s elimination from the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup today, after a narrow defeat to the UAE by one goal to nil. Al-Saktawi confirmed that his team did not deserve such a negative result, considering the excellent performance his players had during the crucial match.
Al-Saktawi explained in his media statements that the players showed a high technical level and remarkable tactical discipline, in addition to a strong desire to come back in the course of the match and continuously press the opponent. He noted that the noticeable improvement in the performance of the Omani national team did not come by chance but is the result of continuous and persistent effort by the technical staff and players.
The Moroccan coach added that the conditions under which he began his mission with the Omani team were not ideal, due to the multiple injuries within the team and the exhaustion suffered by the players after a long and tough season, in addition to the short time and lack of a sufficient preparatory camp before the tournament started. Despite these challenges, the team’s level showed gradual and noticeable improvement as the Gulf Cup competitions progressed.
Regarding his future, Al-Saktawi confirmed that his contract with the Omani national team extends for four years, and that the main goal of the project is to build a strong and competitive football generation capable of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup. He pointed out that the doors of the national team will remain open to all players who prove their competence, emphasizing the importance of patience and continuous work to correct mistakes and build a team capable of strong competition in upcoming championships.
Al-Saktawi concluded his speech by affirming that participation in the Gulf Cup was a golden opportunity for the technical staff to assess the team’s level and evaluate its performance, which helps identify strengths and weaknesses before facing greater upcoming challenges. The tournament also represented an important preparatory stage for young players in preparation for tougher and more difficult competitions.
