Al-Habsi Given Captain's Armband

Vital Latics Dubai based member Emirates gives us his view on his favourite Omani.

Al Habsi Given Captain's Armband

Al Habsi will captain his nation for the first time during Oman's world cup qualifier against Australia this week.

Oman drew with Saudi Arabia 0-0, and lost against Thailand 3-0. Coach Paul Le Guen believes that Al Habsi being captain will rejuvenate the Omani players and boost their fighting spirit.

"Maybe it`s a little more pressure for me as I have to be the most experienced player tomorrow," he said. 'I hope I`ll handle this. To be a leader for the national team is not easy.

'But I`m full of confidence.'But the 29-year-old star urged viewers not to place expectations too high, Al Habsi said:'Now it's a vastly less experienced side.'

"I think this game will be different to the last three games we`ve played against Australia. In 2007 we did a great game and were leading until the 93rd minute when Cahill scored.

"And we played them in Asian Cup qualifiers in Melbourne and Muscat in 2009.

"Now we have many different players especially from the Olympic team. But it`s not enough experience. Before we were a stronger team; stronger than now and fitter."

"But we are a young team, coming from Olympic to the senior team I hope the players will be 100 percent concentrated.

'Because when you play with a team like Australia you have to concentrate for 95 minutes."

I think it is about time that he's named captain. Omani football will probably never create a greater player than Al Habsi.

By Emirates

















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