Tarek Sektioui proud of Oman’s fight after Iraq draw in Gulf Cup 27

Oman manager Tarek Sektioui said his side’s 1-1 draw with Iraq was a positive start to Gulf Cup 27, insisting that earning a point against a team of Iraq’s quality was an achievement in itself.

Oman had hoped to begin the competition with a victory, but Sektioui adopted a pragmatic view after Wednesday’s match at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The Moroccan praised his players for their effort and unity during a demanding game.

“They showed a great spirit and a high level of determination,” Sektioui said at his post-match news conference. “The relationship within the dressing room is excellent. Despite the difficulty of the match, they fought until the final moment, and I am proud to coach this group.”

Oman went into the interval level with Iraq, and Sektioui said he used the break to make quick adjustments and reinforce his instructions.

“We watched some brief video footage and I spoke to the players,” he said. “I am very happy with the way they applied the instructions on the pitch.”

The manager also acknowledged that he is still in the early stages of building the team. Sektioui has overseen Oman during only three training camps, leaving limited time to assess every player fully.

“I have been in charge of the national team for only three camps, which is a very short period to get to know all the players completely,” he said.

“We are still at the beginning and there is a lot of work ahead, especially from a physical point of view.”

Sektioui also made clear that selection places remain available to every Omani player. He said the national team’s door was open without exception, with opportunities going to those who demonstrate that they deserve them on the field.

The draw leaves Oman with a point from their opening fixture against Iraq, while Sektioui’s comments underlined his intention to combine an attacking mentality with the discipline required to avoid defeat.

“We always play to win,” he said. “That is our culture and our identity. If we cannot achieve victory, then we work towards the most important thing, which is avoiding defeat.”

Sektioui said his players’ response to the match had strengthened his satisfaction with the team’s opening performance, even though Oman were unable to secure the winning goal.