AFC U17 Asian Cup
A win for DPR Korea will give them an unassailable seven points while victory for Oman, on three points, will leave their opponents relying on the outcome of the Tajikistan-Islamic Republic of Iran tie contested on the same day.
DPR Korea drew 1-1 with Iran on Matchday One and then outplayed Tajikistan 3-0, and head coach O Thae Song is hoping the two-time champions can reproduce the form they displayed against the latter.
“We will come up with a tactical plan that gives us a similar or better result, but we would also need to work harder to achieve this,” he said.
#AFCU17 | Group D: DPR Korea 3-0 Tajikistan
“Oman is difficult because they are good from long range and at passing, and we have to deal with these accordingly.”
The 55-year-old said he was likely to start the same offensive line-up of two-goal scorer Pak Kwang Song, Kim Yu Jin, Ri Ro Gwon and Kim Tae Guk that harried Tajikistan.
Oman, who are also two-time champions, started their campaign on the wrong foot after losing 2-1 to Tajikistan but bounced back with a stirring, come-from-behind 3-2 win over Iran.
Head coach Anwar Al-Habsi’s squad was pumped-up after their last game, which saw Ahmed Al Amrani level the score in the 74th minute and netting the winner a minute before the end of regulation time.
#AFCU17 | Group D: Oman 3-2 IR Iran
“We are motivated and hopeful after our first three points,” he said. “But we have to be careful of DPR Korea, who have a good pool of players and compete at a high level.”
Al-Habsi said his main concern was ensuring a speedy recovery for his players.
“They have to be prepared, because we approach all our matches as if they’re the final.“
Oman v DPR Korea
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Friday, 20:15 (UTC+3)
