Asian Qualifiers: Oman, Afghanistan set for crucial Doha clash

Oman will seek nothing less than three points when they face Afghanistan in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 today. Oman, second in the standings with 12 points, are still in the running for a place in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as one of the best five second-placed teams.

Fourth-placed Afghanistan must win their next two matches to finish third in Group E and earn automatic qualification into the final round qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023. Afghanistan’s defensive resolve will be put to test against Oman at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with The Lions of Khorasan hoping to improve their position in Group E, having already conceded 12 goals in six matches. Afghanistan will continue to rely on their European-based players to see them through with Faysal Shayesteh, Milad Intezar and captain Farshad Noor marshalling the midfield. Despite playing out a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh last week, head coach Anoush Dastgir will be hoping that Afghanistan can hold off the Omani attack for 90 minutes.