Oman's Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic speaks to his players during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group F football match between Saudi Arabia and Oman at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on January 16, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Branko Ivankovic is hopeful that an Oman win over Kyrgyzstan in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 today will be enough to take the West Asian side through to the Round of 16.
Oman scaled new heights in UAE 2019 when they reached the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time and head coach Ivankovic is not ready for the achievement to come to an abrupt end.
One point from their first two matches puts Oman in a precarious position but a win against Kyrgyz Republic could well see them advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-place finishers.
“If we emerge victorious, we will secure either the second or third position depending on what happens in the Saudi Arabia-Thailand match,” said the Croat. “Our focus remains on winning and the players are committed to giving their best. We are hoping for a successful outcome.
“Qualifying for the next stage is of utmost importance to us. The competition in the Asian Cup is fierce, with all teams being strong and well-prepared and we remain focused on achieving that goal.”
The task faced by Kyrgyzstan is an even bigger one as they currently sit bottom of Group F without a single point but head coach Stefan Tarkovic is not willing to give up without a fight.
“Tomorrow’s game holds significant importance for us, providing an opportunity to showcase our capabilities in what is expected to be a tough match,” said Tarkovic.
“We are prepared to give our best on the field.”
