Confident Oman won’t take Somalia lightly

Tribune News Network Doha Oman will be eyeing a spot in the main round when they will meet Somalia in the second play-off of FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 quali...

Tribune News NetworkDohaOman will be eyeing a spot in the main round when they will meet Somalia in the second play-off of FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 qualifier at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 8pm on Sunday evening. The winner of the match will confirm a place in Group A along with hosts Qatar, Iraq and the winner of Bahrain versus Kuwait play-off. Coached by Branko Ivankovic, Oman – ranked 80 in the FIFA rankings – will start as favourites against World No.197 Somalia. But Ivankovic’s side will not take the opponents lightly. “We have to respect our opponents in this important,” Ivankovic told a virtual conference on Saturday.“The team is eager to qualify for the main stage FIFA Arab Cup, which will be a matter of pride for the players,” he added. Oman have shown good form recently, finishing the Asian Qualifiers as runners-up in Group E behind FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar. Oman captain Abdulaziz Al Muqbali hoped the team will continue its fine run in today’s match. “Our fans expect us to qualify for this unique tournament and we will do everthying to live up to their expectations,” he told reporters yesterday. “ Winning against Somalia is our only target and we will put our best effort in the match,” Muqbali added. For Somalia, today’s match is an oppurtunity to showcase their skills at a big stage. “We would like to thank Qatar for giving us this opportunity. Oman is a big side and it is a diffciult challenge for us. But, I am hopeful that the players will give their best. Teamwork will be important,” said Somalia Team Manager Said Abdel Haibeh.Somalia captain Abdulasmad Abdullahi opined: “We will represent our country in a best possible way. We are prepared for the match and will look for an upset win over Oman and qualify for the group stage.”