While the UAE were disappointed that they did not claim all three points from their opening match on Friday, with bigger tests to come, their Omani counterparts were more than satisfied with a draw.
Ali Al Habsi, the Oman captain, said he could not hide his delight at being back in goal for his country at this competition.
“I have missed taking part in the Gulf Cup and enjoying its very special atmosphere,” said the former Wigan goalkeeper, who is on loan to English Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion. “I’m very happy to be back, especially that I managed to keep a clean sheet. I think it was a fair result.”
Al Habsi modestly played down suggestions he was the man of the match.
“I thank God for our performance. I think all the players played well,” he said. “I tried my best to do my own job. Not conceding was the most important thing. Maybe we could have done better up front but there was also a lot of pressure on us in this first match.”
The Oman captain was keen to highlight how important the draw could ultimately prove.
“It was important not to lose,” Al Habsi said. “A point ensures you still have something to play for going into the last match.”
Al Habsi’s delight at the point was shared by forward Qasim Saeed, who had a headed goal disallowed for a foul on UAE defender Abdulaziz Haikal.
“It’s a fair result for both teams,” he said. “It’s normal to be happy with a draw against the champions. The UAE is one of the best teams in the Gulf and in the Arab world, at the moment.”
akhaled@thenational.ae
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