The Vice President of the Oman Football Association, Mohsen Al-Masroori.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 25: The Vice President of the Oman Football Association, Mohsen Al-Masroori, predicted that the third round of the "Khaleeji Zain 26" would bring even more excitement, following a notable improvement in performance during the second round. This round saw Oman defeat Qatar 2-1 and Kuwait triumph over the UAE with the same score.

Al-Masroori explained, "Teams typically begin the tournament cautiously, as they don't want to lose in the opening match. However, as the tournament progresses, the level of play improves." He highlighted that the third and final round of the first group would be crucial, as all four teams still have a chance to qualify, leaving no room for error.

He further added that while Kuwait and Oman currently have the advantage with four points, nothing has been decided yet, as the final round remains critical. "Each match has its circumstances, and small details can affect the outcome," Al-Masroori noted.

Looking ahead, Al-Masroori expressed hope that "Khaleeji Zain 26" would mark the beginning of a positive shift for Omani football, which has faced a "period of decline" over the past year. He also apologized to fans and media who "expect to see their national team perform at its best."

Al-Masroori reaffirmed that Oman remains a strong contender for the title, citing its runner-up finish in the last edition and consistent semi-final appearances since the introduction of the two-group system.

The head of the Omani delegation also praised the tournament's organization, the opening ceremony, and the overall atmosphere, stating, "Kuwait has always set the standard for excellence and success in every event." He concluded by acknowledging the warm, brotherly environment and the kindness of the Kuwaiti people, saying, "The hospitality and goodwill we experience reflect the true nature of the Kuwaiti people."