Sultanate of Oman won the GCC Cup 2009 Cup Championship

MUSCAT — The third time proved lucky for the Sultanate as they lifted the coveted 19th Arabian Gulf Cup by defeating Saudi Arabia in a penalty shootout yesterday. For nearly two weeks, the whole of Oman was gripped by soccer fever, and when it mattered, the national team delivered, lifting the glittering cup. Times Sports spoke to a cross-section of people for their reaction on this historic win.

Ross Cormack, CEO, Nawras. I am so thrilled for all the people of Oman. I am so proud of our national team which showed how to play an extremely hard game with fantastic control and truly creative flair even while maintaining a really cordial atmosphere on the playground. A great victory for the Sultanate. Oh! And what a fantastic role by Ali Al Habsi! Simply brilliant!

Hritik Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas, It was a fantastic game. The excitement and tension made it worthwhile. It is a proud moment for us. I hope it is the stepping-stone to greater achievements in the Asian and world arena.

Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, Chairman of Abu Reem Group of Companies, This is a very special day in my life. Oman has finally won the Gulf Cup after being in the third successive final. The victory is even more spectacular because of the fact that our team clearly emerged as the best side in the tournament. I congratulate the government of Oman, the whole nation, our team and all those wonderful fans without whom the Gulf Cup would have been colourless, and the victory tasteless. And as aptly analysed by Times’ Editor we are a nation on the rise.

Abdullah Al Abdul Salaam, author, This win is the sweetest. Not just because we had been waiting for it for a long time, but because of the rewarding national bonding demonstrated through the backing the team got this time.

Maurizo Monte, MD, MpiRe, I am happy for the team. I stayed and watched the entire match and it was really, really special. It’s a huge success for Oman and it’s very, very good news for the Sultanate. It was a magnificent achievement, which will be remembered for many years to come.

Raviraj Hegde, businessman, It was fantastic, and a most deserved victory. They worked hard for it. They are not merely champions but the unrelenting creators of a victory that will be talked about for a long time. Oman are the champions of the GCC. They have won for the first time and in the most extraordinary way.

Najeem Hassan Al Balushi, staff nurse, Khoula Hospital. It is a precious victory and we achieved it in our land and that makes me feel great. I can’t describe my feeling. Guts, determination, self-belief and hunger for victory saw them through to the end. An unforgettable night in football history. Hats off to Habsi for that superb save. I seem to be the only person in Muscat with a voice left. Oman supporters have sung themselves hoarse. If there is one word to sum it all up it’s this. It’s wow!

Mohamed Nayaz, executive manager, advisory services, Ernst and Young
Oman is my second home. I am delighted and proud of our team’s achievement in its first ever Gulf Cup victory. I hope the Oman team will one day be the World Cup champions, Insha Allah.

Dr Satish Nambiar, president, Indian Social Club, This is a tremendous achievement. Oman football team’s dedication and doggedness have paid rich dividends and now borne fruit. I want to state that the entire Indian community is rejoicing Oman’s victory and relished every bit of the match. This is just the beginning for Oman, great things are in store.

Jameel Ahmed Rana, general secretary, Pakistan Social Club. Well done Oman. We have been praying for Oman’s victory since day one of the tournament and our prayers have been answered. I feel proud to be part of the country-wide celebrations. They played excellent football and deserved to win. Oman was clearly the best team in the tournament and they are now undoubtedly the best in the whole region. Mabrook my dear brothers, and well done again.

Arshad Ali Khan, legal consultant, What a sweet victory. Oman played like true champions all through the tournament and deserved to be on top. Congratulations to every Omani brother on this special occasion.

Mian Mohammed Riaz, businessman, My heartiest congratulations to Oman team on becoming the Gulf Cup champions. Their hard work finally paid and here we are celebrating a much-deserved victory. Well done, Oman.

Shaddad Al Musalmy, associate account manager, Asda’a It was a fabulous victory, a well-deserved victory. I join the nation in congratulating our national team. It was a superb match and it was a great unifying moment. I was happy with the way it turned out

Saleh Al Shukairi, calligrapher and artist It is a great feeling. It is the teams’ gift to His Majesty. This shows that Oman football is moving in the right direction. As a member of the artists’ community it makes me very happy too. Their touch was great and they look an extremely fit side.