Saktoui explains the reasons behind Oman’s defeat.

Moroccan coach Tarik Skitiwi expressed his disappointment after the Oman national team lost 3-0 to Saudi Arabia on Saturday in the second round of Group A at the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27,” taking place in Saudi Arabia.

With this victory, the Saudi team secured its place in the semifinals of the tournament, while the Omani team must now make up for this loss in their next match.

Skitiwi said in the press conference following the match: “The result was harsh, and honestly, we did not feel comfortable; we were hoping to achieve victory.”

He added, according to the Saudi newspaper “Asharq Al-Awsat”: “In the first half, our performance was very weak, as we allowed them to score the first and second goals. In the second half, our performance improved,” noting that scoring a goal could have given his players a morale boost to come back in the match.

The Moroccan coach acknowledged the superiority of the Saudi team, especially in terms of physical and mental aspects, stressing that the defeat would not affect the coaching staff's approach, and that the focus would be on correcting mistakes before the third match.

Skitiwi praised his players despite the loss, saying they “gave everything they had in effort and spirit, leaving nothing behind,” indicating that the coaching staff made tactical changes during the second half, ending the match with three defenders.

The Oman coach emphasized the importance of continuing to work, adding: “We must exert extra effort to achieve our dreams.”