India vs Oman: Rival watch, Match timing, Venue details

The Blue Tigers kick start their 2022 FIFA World cup qualifying campaign against Oman on September 5th at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. Carry on reading to know more about this fixture...

Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati (Assam)
Match timing:  September 5, 2019 (7:30 pm IST)
Telecast:  Star Sports network, Hotstar

Asian Qualifiers format

Indian Football Team is placed in Group E for the second round of Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group E comprises five teams - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Oman and Qatar.

These second-round matches will be on the basis of round robin format. A win will see teams getting three points whereas a point will be awarded for a draw. The team which finishes at the top will enter the third round of the qualifiers.

Rival Watch - Oman

Nicknamed as Al-Ahmar (The Reds), Oman Football Team is currently ranked 87th in the FIFA rankings. Erwin Koeman is managing the team.

Similar to the Blue Tigers, Oman is also trying hard to ply their trade in the FIFA World cup which they have never done before. Their best ever record came at the 1998 World Cup qualifiers when they finished just behind Japan, the eventual qualifiers.

The turn of the 21st century saw Oman qualifying for their first-ever AFC Asia Cup in 2004 and have been tournament regulars since then.

The Reds have become a force to reckon with in the Gulf region with consistent performances in the Gulf Cup. They eventually won the 2009 Arabian Gulf Cup, their first title. 

Match Preview

Last year, India and Oman played out a lacklustre goalless draw. India doesn’t have a healthy record against Oman  with the only victory arriving way back in the semi-final of 1994 Independence Cup. 

Head-to-Head record:

Games played - 7
Games won by India - 1
Games won by Oman – 4

Players to watch out for

Saad Al-Mukhain

An experienced full-back who is currently playing for Saudi Arabian football club, Al-Nassr FC.

He did have a trial stint with the Premier League club Arsenal FC back in January 2012, but eventually decided to stay in Oman.

Ahmed Mubarak Kano

This 34-year old experienced defensive midfielder won the most valuable player award of the 2017 Gulf Cup for his crucial role in helping Oman clinch the title.

His towering presence in the midfield will have a strong say in Oman's performance against India and the remaining qualifiers.