Muscat – Oman will take on Iraq in the opening match of the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

The match, to be held at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, will start at 6.30 pm Oman time.

Oman, finalists in the last two editions of the tournament, will be hoping to win the trophy, which they last won in 2016-17, and the opening match will also give them a chance to avenge their defeat to hosts Iraq in the final of the 25th edition of the tournament in January 2023.

Iraq won the final 3-2 in Basra, and the Lions of Mesopotamia are capable of posing a tough challenge this time as well.

“We know Oman have reached the last two finals, and we want to play strong matches and go as far as possible,” said Oman’s Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui, who succeeded Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz in March.

“The tournament will also serve as preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.”

Oman take on hosts Saudi Arabia in their second match in Group A on Saturday before concluding their group engagements with a match against Kuwait on September 29.