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Observer
2 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Oman fall to Qatar in West Asia volleyball championship
MUSCAT: Oman's national men's volleyball team lost to Qatar 3 sets to 1 in their second match of the West Asia Championship, held at the Isa Bin Rashid Hall in Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain. The match featured clear technical fluctuations, with Oman shining in the third set before Qatar sealed the win with more consistent performance. The Red Warriors started the match energetically, taking an early 4-0 lead thanks to strong performances from Al Juradi and Al Maamari. However, Qatar quickly regained balance, capitalising on defensive errors and poor reception to win the first set 25-19. In the second set, the Qatari team fully dictated the pace. They appeared more organised and composed, while Oman struggled with focus and accuracy in passes and spikes, despite individual efforts from Ismail al Hidi and Saud al Maamari. Oman dropped the set 25-16. The third set saw Oman's best performance of the match. The players entered with determination, showing clear intent to mount a comeback. Ismail al Hidi stood out with several powerful spikes, while Younis al Amri and Saud al Maamari's movements helped establish a 23-21 lead. At the crucial point, Al Hidi returned to seal the set for Oman at 25-23, reviving hopes for a comeback. Despite a promising start to the fourth set, with Mahmoud al Saadi scoring the opening point followed by a strong shot from Al Maamari, individual errors re-emerged, especially in reception and backcourt coverage. This gave the Qataris the edge to regain control. As Oman lost focus midway through the set, Qatar widened the gap and closed the set 25-14, winning the match 3-1. Statistically, Oman scored a total of 79 points, committed 23 unforced errors, missed 6 serves, and registered 7 blocks. The standout performer for Oman was Ismail Al-Hidi, who scored 26 points (24 attack, 1 serve, 1 block) and was named Best Player of the Match despite the defeat. The players entered with determination, showing clear intent to mount a comeback After the match, Ismail al Hidi, a player for the national team, confirmed that the team had played an ideal third half and had come close to a comeback, but that the physical decline and lack of concentration in the fourth half had a significant impact. He added that he had tried to give the team a morale boost through his offensive performance, while also emphasising that the team still had much to offer in the tournament Mohammed al Muqbali acknowledged Qatar's strength, saying, We faced a very organised team. Small details made the difference. We must move past this loss and prepare for what's next. Younis al Amri noted the team's improvement in the third set but admitted the loss of focus afterwards. The tournament is still in its early stages. We'll correct our mistakes and come back better. Despite the loss, Oman still has a chance to recover in upcoming matches. The technical staff and players have pledged to work hard to fix their mistakes and return to winning ways, relying on their fighting spirit and the promising young talents who showed great potential during the match.
Observer
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman drop two spots in Fifa ranking for July
MUSCAT: The national football team dropped two positions in the latest Fifa World Rankings which was released on Thursday. Red Warriors placed at the 79th globally with 1323.91 points compared to 81st position and 1314.41 points in the previous rankings published earlier this year. The updated standings reflect the outcomes of Oman's recent performances in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 2026, where the Red Warriors faced two crucial encounters that shaped their campaign. Despite a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Jordan in Muscat, the team bounced back in dramatic style as they secured a 1-1 draw against Palestine in their final Group B match, thanks to a late penalty equaliser from striker Issam al Subhi. That decisive goal ensured Oman's progression to the playoff round and keeping their World Cup hopes alive. The team's initially scheduled a comprehensive domestic training camp in Salalah from July 1 to 19, aimed at refining the squad's readiness for the next phase. However, the Oman Football Association (OFA) recently announced the postponement of this camp. In an official statement issued on July 1, the OFA explained that the postponement decision was made in light of an ongoing comprehensive technical and administrative review conducted by its Technical Committee. This internal evaluation is part of the association's broader goal to enhance the quality of work and planning across the national teams. The review includes studying the past performance strategy, assessing the outcomes of the last qualification phase, and aligning the next steps with long-term development objectives for Omani football. The OFA emphasised that this measure is intended to maximise preparation and readiness ahead of major upcoming competitions. Despite the delay in domestic preparations, Oman team still will have a significant international assignment before the playoff stage resumes. The national team is set to participate in the CAFA (Central Asian Football Association) Nations League 2025, a friendly international tournament scheduled from August 26 to September 9, co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Oman drawn into Group A alongside the hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, while Group B featured Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Malaysia. The tournament is expected to provide vital competitive exposure especially as Oman will face teams with varying tactical strengths and styles. The Red Warriors previously took part in the 2023 edition of the CAFA Nations League and are expected to leverage that experience to field a well-prepared squad for this year's edition. All eyes are on the playoff draw which is scheduled to take place on July 17 as Oman will discover their opponent in the final stage of the Asian qualifiers. The playoff round will offer two direct additional qualification spots for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, to be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Observer
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Sayyid Sulaiman elected OFA Chairman for 2025–2029 term
Muscat: Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidi was elected as Chairman of the Oman Football Association (OFA) for the 2025–2029 term during the association's extraordinary general assembly meeting held in Muscat on Wednesday. Sayyid Sulaiman secured the presidency after receiving 30 out of 43 votes cast by the member clubs and stakeholders of the OFA. Eng Qutaiba al Ghailani was elected Vice-Chairman of the OFA's Board of Directors. Meanwhile, this election marked a pivotal moment for the future of Oman's football with the incoming board expected to lead strategic efforts on both domestic and international events. The newly-appointed chairman of OFA and his members will have major responsibilities in the coming period including the national team which are currently in a crucial phase. Red Warriors will aim to secure a historic qualification spot in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoffs which will take place in coming October. In addition, the national team is scheduled to compete in the Arab Cup and CIS Asian event. At the youth level, the Olympic team will prepare for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is an important milestone in Oman's football development pathway.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
OFA to elect new chairman today
MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) will elect a new chairman and board for the 2025–2029 term on Wednesday. This election will mark a pivotal moment for the future of Oman's football with the incoming board expected to lead strategic efforts on both domestic and international events. The new chairman of OFA and his members will have major responsibilities in the coming period including the national team which are currently in a crucial phase. Red Warriors will aim to secure a historic qualification spot in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoffs which will take place in coming October. In addition, the national team is scheduled to compete in the Arab Cup and CIS Asian event. At the youth level, the Olympic team will prepare for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is an important milestone in Oman's football development pathway. On the domestic front, the new board will be tasked with advancing and enhancing the local competitions including the prestigious His Majesty's Cup, the Omantel League, and youth leagues such as the U-15, U-17, and U-19 categories in addition to the OFA Cup and other grassroots development initiatives. Running for the chairmanship post are Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamood al Busaidy and Dr Jassim bin Mohammed al Shukaili. Both candidates worked previously in the football career at OFA and the domestic clubs. The candidates who are competing for the vice chairman are Sayyid Musallam bin Salim al Busaidy, Qutaiba bin Said al Ghailani, and Nasr bin Hamood al Wahaibi. Salim al Wahaibi, OFA Chairman For the board membership seats, twelve candidates are contesting from which only three will be selected. These include Hassan bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Said bin Ali al Busaidy, Ali bin Ahmed al Kathiri, Ali bin Abdullah al Raisi, Abdullah bin Salim al Shanfari, Mohammed bin Ali al Maqbali, Abdullah bin Ali al Kamzari, Nasser bin Salim al Haddabi, Abdullah bin Ali al Rashdi, Nasser bin Suleiman al Alawi, Abdullah bin Mohsin al Jabri and Ibrahim bin Murad al Balushi. Mohammed bin Khamis al Oraimi secured the reserved seat representing the Players committee. In the category of the women's seat, the candidates are Fatma bint Ibrahim al Fazariyah and Hajar bint Khamis al Muzainiyah. This year's election marks a significant advancement in the OFA's governance practices as voting will be conducted for the first time via a Fifa-approved electronic and digital system. A dedicated team of technical experts will be on-site to manage the system and ensure a smooth, transparent, and secure voting process. As the association moves toward a new era of leadership, the OFA Chairman Salim al Wahaibi shared a farewell message as he is leaving his post after two consecutive terms. 'After a journey that spanned two consecutive terms since 2016, I hereby announce my departure as chairman of OFA. I have had the honour of serving Omani football from a position of responsibility, navigating an administrative journey filled with challenges and ambitions. I step down from this position, but not from the love, pride, or deep connection I hold for this institution, which will always remain close to my heart. "I sincerely wish the very best to whoever takes on the responsibility next, and I hope they build upon what has been achieved with a renewed spirit, fresh vision and commitment to realising all that we aspire to for Oman, its football, and its supporters," Al Wahaibi said.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Subhi's late equaliser sends Oman to AFC playoff
MUSCAT: In a dramatic conclusion to their AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26 campaign, Oman secured the final playoff spot thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from striker Issam al Subhi, who converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to earn a crucial 1-1 draw against Palestine on Tuesday night at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman. Al Subhi's ice-cold finish in the 97th minute, after Mohsin al Ghassani was fouled inside the box, ensured Oman advanced to the playoff stage which will be held in coming October. The late draw kept Red Warriors hopes for qualifying to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The result saw Oman finish fourth in Group B with eleven points while Palestine on ten points bowed out in heartbreak. Oman and Palestine players in action Oman entered the match requiring only a draw to qualify while Palestine required a win to progress. Despite the pressure and playing with ten men for over twenty minutes following Harib al Saadi's red card, Oman showed resilience and tactical discipline to snatch the result in the dying moments. Palestine took the lead in the 49th minute when Oday Kharoub headed in a corner from substitute Adamhamza Kayed and sending the home crowd into raptures. The hosts had earlier looked the more dangerous side with Michel Termanini's header hitting the bar and several long-range efforts testing Oman's defense. However, despite going a goal and a man down, Oman kept their composure and their persistence was rewarded in stoppage time when a foul on substitute Mohsin al Ghassani handed al Subhi the opportunity to level the game and it was a moment he seized to dramatic effect. Oman player controls the ball FIGHTING UNTIL END Oman's head coach Rasheed Jaber praised his team's fighting spirit and ability to bounce back: ' We knew the match would be difficult for both parties and Palestine were very well organised and dangerous in the pitch. After conceding the goal and the red card, things became more complicated. But our players showed great spirit and didn't give up. I am proud of their effort and mentality.' He added 'This team deserves to be in the next phase. Now our focus turns to the playoffs. We are determined to continue our journey toward the 2026 Fifa World Cup.' He ended With the late draw earned, Oman's path to the 2026 Fifa World Cup remains alive. The playoffs in October will offer two more coveted spots for Asian countries and Oman will eye to capture on one of these tickets.
