KUWAIT: Spanish coach of Qatar national football team Luis Garcia acknowledged that luck was not on Al Adaam's side in their 1-2 loss to Oman at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium in the second round of Group A in the 26th Gulf Cup, being held in Kuwait until January 3.
In the post-match press conference, Garcia said that the team started well and took the lead, but after that, they experienced a slight decline. stating that the team became impatient and struggled to keep possession of the ball, which allowed the opponent to take control and threaten the goal until they equalized.
He added that Qatar fell behind in the second half due to a defensive positioning error, but their performance improved afterward, particularly in possession, control, and pressure during the final minutes. adding that they created several good chances, but were unlucky.
Abdulrahman Mustafa's shot hit the post, and Mohamed Montari and Almoez Ali couldn't convert, meaning they couldn't even secure a draw.
He noted that this is football, and everyone has to accept the loss.
Garcia emphasized that the players performed well as usual and did their best, and he didn't hold them responsible for the defeat.
When asked about Akram Afif's performance, the coach praised him for fulfilling his role, contributing significantly to playmaking in midfield. He highlighted Afif's importance, as the best player in Asia in 2023, and noted that despite some personal challenges, Afif was committed to the team and did his part.
Meanwhile, Oman’s coach Rasheed Jaber said the win was deserved and crucial against a strong team like Qatar, the Asian champions, with experienced players.
Jaber explained that Oman badly needed the victory, and the players delivered a great performance, staying focused throughout the match.
They showed strong character by turning the game around and securing an important win. The three points greatly improve the team's chances of reaching the semifinals in a tough group.
With the win, Oman now has four points in Group A, strengthening their chances of advancing to the semifinals.
Qatar, on the other hand, remains with one point and must win their final match against host nation Kuwait to have a chance of qualifying.