Muscat – Oman will face Saudi Arabia today in the semi-finals of the 26th Gulf Cup in Kuwait. A large number of sports analysts and fans of the Red Warriors are rallying behind the team under the slogan ‘We are all with you.’

The highly anticipated match will take place at Jaber al Mubarak Stadium at 6:30pm (Muscat time) on Tuesday, followed by the second semi-final featuring Kuwait and Bahrain at Jaber al Ahmad International Stadium at 9:45pm.

Oman qualified for the semi-finals after an impressive performance in the group stage, drawing 1-1 with Kuwait, defeating Qatar 2-1 and drawing 1-1 with the UAE, securing the top spot in Group A with 5 points.

Muscat Daily spoke with sports analysts and Red Warriors’ fans to gauge their expectations ahead of the semi-final clash.

Ismail al Ajmi, sports analyst and a former player of the Omani national team, acknowledged the challenge Oman faces against Saudi Arabia. “The Saudis have a wealth of experience and their football league is strong,” he said. “The Omani players need to stay focused and prepare both physically and mentally. They must remain calm, capitalise on scoring opportunities and minimise mistakes.”

He emphasised that the key to win would be teamwork and determination. “Both teams have vulnerabilities in defence; so team cohesion and desire to win will be crucial,” Ajmi added.

“I hope a large number of fans will attend the match and provide the team the energy they need to reach the final and fulfil their dream of winning the Gulf Cup.”

Ali Hamad Sheyadi, former goalkeeper of Al Suwaiq Club, is optimistic despite the tough opposition. “There is a strong sense of optimism surrounding the Red Warriors’ ability to overcome this and secure a spot in the final. Our team needs to focus on playing an attacking game and put pressure on Saudi defence. Taking advantage of mistakes is key to winning. Such matches are often decided by who can capitalise on their opponent’s errors.”

Ali urged coach Rashid Jaber to avoid a defensive strategy, instead opting for an aggressive approach.

Aware of the challenge the Saudis pose, Yousuf al Sheyadi, goalkeeper of Oman Club, said, “We are counting on the confidence and enthusiasm of our players, especially after securing a place in the semi-finals. Psychological pressure will be crucial in this match.”

Kuwait-based Omani fan Abdul Rahim al Rawahi has attended all Oman matches in the tournament and will be at the Tuesday game, too. “I have noticed that while the Saudi team has good technical and tactical qualities, it has weaknesses, particularly in the depth of its defence.”

Rawahi highlighted Oman’s offensive strengths, naming key players including Issam al Subhi, Al Munther al Alawi and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri. “We need to capitalise on our attacking capabilities and maintain self-confidence, determination and a high fighting spirit.”

He added, “I believe Oman will reach the final and defeat Kuwait to win the tournament.”

Oman Football Association has confirmed that all tickets allocated for Omani fans for the semi-final match against Saudi Arabia have been sold out. To further support fans travelling to Kuwait, the association has arranged two planes to transport supporters, with efforts underway to secure a third flight.

These initiatives are part of the ‘We are all with you’ campaign to boost fan presence in the stadium for the morale of the Red Warriors.