Oman

Ranked 74^th in the world this is the Omanis fifth appearance at the Asian Cup finals, with their best performance coing in 2019 when the reached the last 16 in 2019 as one of third best group nations. They were knocked by Iran, losing 2-0.

What to expect

The Omanis had a strong 2023, starting the year with a run to the finals of the Gulf Cup before losing to hosts Iraq in the final in extra time.

They were beaten 4-0 in the US in September in a friendly but rebounded a month later with a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei, though did lose to one of their Asian Cup group opponents, the Kyrgyz Republic, 1-0 away from home in November.

Going in to the finals the Omanis look to be finding form having beaten China 2-1 at the end of December and the UAE 1-0 at the beginning of January in Asian Cup warm-up games in Abu Dhabi.

Oman have a tough group with three-time champions Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Kyrgyz Republic to contend with but will be confident they can do enough to make the last 16 again.

Star player

Jameel Al Yahmadi will be the fulcrum of Oman’s attack. A creative midfielder capable of out on the right flank where he cuts inside on his stronger left-foot, or centrally where he has the ability to unlock defences.

After playing at the AFC U23 Asian Cup China 2018, Al Yahmadi debuted for the senior team at the 2018 Gulf Cup of Nations in Kuwait, where he quickly established himself as a key player as the Omanis beat the UAE in the final on penalties.

He reinforced his position at the Asian Cup and agains at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. He now has 59 senior caps.

Starting out with club side Al Shabab in Oman, he moved to Qatar where he has been playing since 2018, turing out for clubs including Al Wakrah, Al Shahania and Al Markhiya, before moving to his current club Al Kharaitiyat.

Head coach

Croatian Branko Ivanković has been in charge of the Omani team since 2020 when he took over from Erwin Koeman. As a player he spent his career in Croatia but as a manager he has been a globetrotter both at club and international level.

After initially coaching in Croatia, including as an assistant manager to the national team that reached the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup, he moved Hannover 86 in Germany before taking over Iran in 2002 taking them to a third place at the 2004 Asian Cup as well as to the 2006 World Cup.

Then came a succession of club jobs in China, Saudi Arabia and Iran where he managed Perspeolis.

Schedule

Saudi Arabia vs Oman, January 16, Khalifa International Stadium, 8.30pm

Oman vs Thailand, January 21, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, 5.30pm

Kryzg Rep vs Oman, January 25, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, 6pm

Squad