The Oman Football Association announced today the appointment of Moroccan coach Tariq Al-Sakhtawy as the head coach of the national football team. This announcement comes after the mutual termination of the contract with experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, following a collaborative period that lasted several months.
Al-Sakhtawy, who is recognized as the Arab Cup champion with the Moroccan national team in 2012, brings extensive coaching experience, having coached several clubs in Morocco, in addition to his experience with national teams. This new coach faces a significant challenge in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, as the Oman Football Association hopes for positive results.
During Queiroz's tenure, the Oman national team played several matches, but the results were not always satisfactory for football fans in Oman. Fans noted the failure to achieve some desired ambitions, which prompted the Omani Association to take evaluative measures that led both parties to agree to terminate the contract.
Queiroz's time in Oman was marred by several negative points, including losing points in some crucial matches and the team falling short of competing successfully in international tournaments. Therefore, Al-Sakhtawy’s appointment comes as part of an effort to refresh the team and present a new vision that fans hope to see realized.
Al-Sakhtawy is known for his coaching style, which focuses on building a cohesive team striving for collective play and supporting young players. This new phase in Oman's football journey represents an opportunity to adopt modern strategies that align with the requirements of contemporary football.
In the context of Arab football, the Omani league is among the emerging leagues that contribute to the development of the game in the region. Appointing a coach with Al-Sakhtawy’s talent adds a positive dimension to the football scene in the Gulf.
After Queiroz's resignation, Al-Sakhtawy faces the challenges of rebuilding trust between players and fans, working towards achieving balanced performance and implementing appropriate plans that suit the players' capabilities. Al-Sakhtawy will also work on a physical and technical preparation plan in readiness for upcoming tournaments.
Furthermore, Omani football seeks to elevate its level, especially since it has a broad fan base that supports the national team in all competitions. In addition, everyone expects Al-Sakhtawy to succeed given his rich history of achieving championships.
Al-Sakhtawy’s future with the team is tied to performance in upcoming competitions, and his debut leading the Oman national team is anticipated to be strong, providing a significant boost to Omani football.
Overall, Al-Sakhtawy’s selection reflects an ambitious direction from the Oman Football Association towards enhancing performance and keeping pace with changes in the football world.