XtraTime Web Desk: Head coach Stephen Constantine informed that India will play Oman on December 27 in a friendly, besides their high-profile match against Asian giants China in October, which has already been announced.
The AIFF are yet to confirm about the Oman match. This is not the first time Constantine announced a match before the Federation made it public. Back in June, he informed about the China match taking place during the Intercontinental Cup. AIFF later made it public last week. So high chances, this match is taking place. Stephen is under serious criticism and he is under serious radar of the the board about his utterance of the U-17 team being hyped by the media. Later on he apologized for his harsh comments.
As the match is likely to take place, India will be locking horns against Oman, after a period of 3 years, where the Blue Tigers lost 2-1 and 3-0 in both their World Cup Qualifier matches. India ranked 96th in the latest FIFA rankings, have never beaten Oman in a competitive match.
India will be once gain up against one of Asia’s fastest wingers, Qasim Said, who scored in their 2-1 win last time back. Stephen Constantine’s side will also be up against Premier League veteran keeper Ali Al-Habsi. Habsi who has 118 caps to his name has plied his trade with clubs like Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Reading.
Sunil Chhetri and co. will be facing a tough challenge and it will be important to see how they have fared in this 3 years gap.