Omani fans shine in support of Red Warriors despite defeat
Despite the defeat of the national team against Jordan on Thursday, the Omani fans once again proved that they are the key pillar in supporting the Red Warriors.
As crowds flocked from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman to support the team, the disappointment of the loss was palpable, though people were also looking forward to Eid Al Adha celebrations.
The stadium witnessed a remarkable turnout, with the stands filled with fans waving flags and chanting slogans, reaffirming their unwavering support for the team on its journey towards World Cup.
Despite the hot weather, the heat did not deter the crowds from arriving at the stadium early in the afternoon, with most of them breaking their fast in the stands after a long day of fasting on the Day of Arafah.
The stadium management and the 'Kulna Ma'ak' (We Are All With You) campaign arranged water distribution points for the fans, along with an Iftar tent, which contributed to a positive atmosphere inside the stadium. Children were seen holding 'We Are All With You' banners and waving flags, adding to the festive atmosphere despite the disappointment of the result.
This enthusiastic spirit from the fans came within the framework of the 'We Are All With You' campaign, launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in cooperation with the Oman Football Association, aimed at supporting the national team in the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
To ignite the fans' enthusiasm, the campaign distributed more than 20,000 Omani flags in the stands to paint the stadium in red, white and green, adding a festive touch despite the loss. This was complemented by a large banner raised by the fans before the start of the match, featuring a photo of a player from the Oman team with the phrase 'We Are All With You,' reflecting a message of unity and support.
Omani fan Mohsen Ambusaidi, who came from the Wilayat of Nizwa, said, "The team's performance did not meet expectations. The team played well in the first half with two clear chances to score, but noticeably declined in the second half."
Ambusaidi added, "Some fans left the stands after the second goal, due to a lack of confidence in the team's ability to come back. Omani fans deserve praise and appreciation, as they have never stopped supporting the team whether at home or abroad, despite all circumstances."
"The fans who endured the journey to the capital, Muscat, despite the eve of Eid and fasting on the Day of Arafah, considering that these fans deserved acknowledgment from the players after the match. Unfortunately, none of the players or the coaching staff approached them to thank them after the disappointing result," he ended.
Fan, Labid al Amri, who came from the Wilayat of Al Awabi, said "The national team did not deliver the required performance and squandered the chance for direct qualification."
Al Amri added "The Omani fans have never lost hope in supporting the team under the toughest circumstances and the chance to qualify is still alive through the playoffs. As long as there's hope, we must all continue to support the team."
Al Amri concluded "The upcoming match against Palestine will be a true final, as the winner will earn the chance to play in the World Cup playoffs, calling on Omani fans to support the team until the very last minute."
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