Oman coach says Saudi defeat disappointing, vows to address errors

Oman national football team head coach Tarik Sektioui said the result against Saudi Arabia was disappointing, noting that his side did not perform as expected in the first half, although their play improved in the second half.

He made the remarks during a press conference held today after the match at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, where Saudi Arabia secured a 3-0 victory to advance to the semi-finals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

Sektioui explained that Oman made mistakes that led to conceding the first and second goals. He added that the improved performance in the second half could have given the players a morale boost, emphasizing that the team has a third match to work on correcting these errors.

He pointed out that injuries to some players affected the coaching staff's available options, noting that facing Saudi Arabia required a high level of physical and mental readiness, and that Saudi Arabia was superior in winning both aerial and ground duels.

Sektioui stated that the result would not change the team's approach, stressing that the players gave their all and that the coaching staff made tactical changes in the second half, finishing the match with three defenders.

He added that Saudi Arabia was better physically and in agility during the first half, suggesting that the previous match may have impacted his players' readiness, and underlined the need to keep working and improve in the upcoming game.