Oman- Players still rusty, says coach Le Guen

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The Seeb Sports Stadium was not a packed house as expected. 

Barely 7500 spectators turned up for Thursday night's clash perhaps deterred by the heat and humidity that were hardly ideal conditions for a fixture as crucial as a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Expectedly hosts Oman slammed in two quick goals to take the wind out of Turkmenistan's sail before wrapping up a 3-1 win.

Among the standout performers was Oman keeper Ali al Habsi whose two world-class saves one on either side of the break were the highlights of a match that otherwise barely rose above mediocrity in oppressive weather conditions.

Speaking to Muscat Daily after the match Oman coach Paul Le Guen said 'It was a brilliant show by Ali. The match could easily have ended 6-2 but for the saves made by Ali and the missed opportunities by our strikers.'

Despite the win the Frenchman pointed out that the Oman players are not in their best shape yet. 'Our players are not in their best of physical shape and fitness as they have played just one match after the domestic league ended in May' Le Guen said.

'It is natural for them to be rusty. One could see the difference with the way Ali played. He has already started his season with Reading.'

Taking a dig at the scheduling of the domestic league in Oman Le Guen said 'I will reiterate that there should be not such a long gap between the end of the domestic league and the start of the next one. It is in the best interest of our players and the national team [ to reduce that gap].'

The Oman coach however is satisfied with Thursday's victory adding that his players will head to Guam high on confidence.