People who were glued to TV screens across the capital, leapt to their feet and roared their approval when the final whistle blew. Many fans across the city watched Tuesday’s match at cafés on large screens.
Fans – Omanis and expatriates – are keeping their fingers crossed and have a prayer on their lips for the Red Warriors to lift the cup this year.
Ahmed al Balushi, an ardent football fan said, “I was confident of the team winning because our team prepared well for the championship. With the experience of the players now, we have one game to lift the cup.”
Salim al Rawahi after the semifinal victory said, “I am proud of our national team that won today. We deserve the cup. The players have proven their ability in all the previous matches and we will continue to support them until they win the cup.”
Sleyam Khalaf, former Fanja club goalkeeper said, “Oman’s performance was a rebound. We did not expect to reach the final but I am so happy for today’s result. I am happy for the whole country and look forward to the final match. Finals have never been easy but hopes are high.”
Saada al Naamani, who was keen to go to Kuwait for the match but could not make it, said she is happy with the win. “I am proud Oman has made it to the final. We are so hopeful that we will take the cup and I will make sure I go to Kuwait to support our team.”
“Till halftime when Oman was ahead, my anxiety kept building up,” said Sujith T V, who was out with his Omani friends watching the match. He said, “I vividly remember the celebrations after Oman lifted the cup for the first time in 2009.”
Kuwait has won the Gulf Cup ten times, followed by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Qatar who have won it three times.
The UAE won it twice in 2007 and 2013. Meanwhile, Oman won the trophy in 2009. Bahrain and Yemen are yet to win the tournament.