Sektioui warns UAE are a changed side as Oman target Gulf Cup final

Tarik Sektioui says Oman will draw confidence from their progress at Gulf Cup 27 as they prepare to face a “changed” United Arab Emirates side in Saturday’s semi-final in Saudi Arabia.

The Oman head coach dismissed the idea that his team’s task was impossible, insisting that the difficulties they have faced during the tournament had helped reveal the strength within the squad.

“Our preparations have followed the usual healthy approach, with a great deal of focus, responsibility and desire,” Sektioui said at his pre-match news conference. “We have concentrated on the physical and mental aspects. Today we have our final training session and we want to win tomorrow, which would give us a morale boost before the final.”

Oman were widely expected to be eliminated during the group stage, but secured their place in the last four after finishing level on every measure with Iraq. Their progress was decided by a draw after both teams were tied at the end of the group phase.

“Everyone expected Oman to go out,” said Sektioui. “With my considerable experience as a coach, I can say that nothing is impossible in football.

“I take responsibility for criticism rather than allowing it to be directed at these respected players. In difficult moments, a lot of strength emerges. There are also many young players who need patience and support, and they have a future.”

Sektioui believes the tournament has provided important experience for a team being developed over several years.

“Oman are benefiting from this competition and are showing more of themselves despite the difficulties,” he said. “I say this clearly: Oman are growing during this tournament.

“The Oman national team is well known in the Gulf and Asia. That has come through planning, not by chance. Work has been going on for years to build a team for the future, and it has now reached maturity.”

The coach also has previous experience of the UAE, having faced them during the Arab Cup, while his knowledge extends to the domestic game in the country.

“I faced the UAE national team in the Arab Cup and I know the UAE league,” he said.

However, Sektioui believes the side Oman will meet in the semi-final is significantly different from the team seen in the past.

“The UAE national team at the moment is not the same as the previous one,” he said. “There have been major changes, including within the coaching staff. They also benefited in their previous match from rotating their players to prepare for the semi-final.”

The UAE reached the last four by finishing top of Group A on goal difference from Qatar.

Their semi-final against Oman will be played after Saudi Arabia face Qatar on Saturday, with both matches determining the finalists of the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup.