Oman’s national under-17 football team has commenced a new training camp in Muscat as part of their preparations for the upcoming U17 Gulf Cup in Qatar and the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers in Salalah. The camp started on October 9 and will continue until October 14, focusing exclusively on physical conditioning, tactical organization, and technical development without engaging in friendly matches.
Head coach Ahmed bin Salim Bait Said has assembled a 23-player squad for the camp, including key players such as Ahmed al Masoudi, Mohammed al Hinai, Nahidh Bait Jameel, Abdullah al Zaabi, Saif al Jabri, and Hassan al Balushi, among others. The team aims to fine-tune its performance ahead of facing regional and continental competition.
Oman’s first challenge will be the U17 Gulf Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar from October 16 to November 4. The team has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and invited side China. The group stage campaign kicks off against China on October 19, followed by matches against the UAE on October 22, Qatar on October 25, and Bahrain on October 28. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals set for November 1, with the final slated for November 4.
This Gulf Cup tournament will serve as a critical preparatory platform before Oman focuses on hosting the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers. The qualifiers, scheduled from November 8 to 20 in Salalah, will see Oman compete in Group G alongside Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Brunei Darussalam. Only the group winner will advance to the continental finals, highlighting the qualifier as a pivotal opportunity for Oman’s young squad.
The current training camp follows Oman’s recent participation in the WAFF U17 Championship in Jordan, where the team was eliminated in the group stage after losses to Jordan and the UAE. With a dense schedule of upcoming competitive fixtures, the coaching staff is concentrating on improving the players’ consistency, team cohesion, and overall match preparedness during this crucial phase of their season.
