Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Muscat: Coach Hossam Hassan has backed Jordan to build on recent encouraging performances at the WAFF Championship and AFC U-22 Championship and move a step closer to qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with victory over Oman at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday.
Having seen their Group A campaign delayed due to their 2014 FIFA World Cup play-off with Uruguay, WAFF Championship finalists Jordan face already-qualified Oman on Friday before making the trip to Singapore just five days later.
But with victory in both games ensuring guaranteed passage to Australia with a game to spare, Hassan is also hoping the inclusion of six players in his squad who helped Jordan finish third at the AFC U-22 Championship in Oman earlier this month can compensate for the absence of key players including Abdallah Deeb and Khalil Bani Ateyah due to club commitments.
“It is a very important match and we respect Oman. It is very important for us to get the three points to secure qualification and we need a good result from this match” said former Egypt international Hassan (pictured).
“We had a camp in Dubai which we used to prepare for the match; it provided me good insights into the team. Also, our performances in WAFF and AFC U-22 Championship in Oman provided me with a few players that have boosted the squad.”
Oman coach Paul Le Guen also has his own section problems with the likes of Ali Al Habsi, Amad Al Hosni, Ismail Al Ajmi and Hussain Al Hadhri due to club commitments, while stand-in captain Hassan Al Gheilani is suspended.
“Even though we have qualified, we want to win, more so to create a culture of winning and it will be good to build on something like that without the usual pressure” said Le Guen.
“I will play a full strength side, my aim is stability and continuity, so I think it’s a good idea if we get a good run of games with almost the same players if not exactly the same.”
Al Gheilani, who took armband while regular captain Al Habsi was sidelined through injury, picked up a second yellow card of the campaign as Oman secured qualification from Group A with two games to spare after sharing a goalless draw in Jordan in October.
“It is a big responsibility, we will share it within the team and put on the best display of football possible” said Ahmed Al Muhaijri, who will captain the side against Jordan.
Photo: AFP