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Macala plays down team's chances

Oman's coach Milan Macala tried to play down his team's chances when he claimed that "Oman were not the favourites."

  • By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Oman's coach Milan Macala tried to play down his team's chances when he claimed that "Oman were not the favourites."

During yesterday's pre-match press conference. Macala, said all the teams in the tournament enjoyed almost similar status.

"It will be a tough game," predicted the man who has lifted the Gulf Cup twice as Kuwait's coach and was runners-up with Oman last time out.

"Of course, we are very fresh after an extra day's rest. All my players are fit and we will continue to play in the same style," he said.

Bahrain's coach Senad Kreisso said his team was a bit tired after coming out as second best from a tough group.

"Our players are a bit tired both physically and mentally. But we are ready for another big fight," he said.

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"Oman are a good side, but my boys are more motivated to win," he added.

Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habshi, who plays for Bolton in the English league, said the win against UAE in the opening match paved the way for Oman's smooth sailing.

"After that win a lot of pressure was off us. From then on we improved and we will play a good match tomorrow," he said.

Fawzi Bashir, the Omani midfielder who was part of the team which lost the final to Qatar in penalties two years ago, said: "We are a much improved team now."

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