The United Arab Emirates, Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea, Jordan football teams had already arrived last week. According to sources at the Oman Football Association (OFA), the other teams including Australia, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Yemen, Syria and Iran will arrive only by tomorrow.
Preparations for the tournament are going on in full-swing with over 400 volunteers working hard to ensure the success of the tournament. "We have been working towards this end for the last one month and we have got everyone involved at the OFA. Almost everyone is working day and night to see that this tournament is a grand success," said an official at the OFA. Majority of the AFC officials are already in town to take charge of the tournament that is said to be one among the biggest tournaments in Asia. "Sixty-four top AFC officials will take part in this tournament. That itself shows the importance of this event. This is a great opportunity to show to the world that we can host any such international tournament in the future," said the OFA official.
A total of 16 teams - Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Japan Australia, DPR Korea, China, Korea Republic, Myanmar and hosts Oman will play 32 matches over a period of 16 days.
In the inaugural match on Saturday, Oman will take on Myanmar in Group A at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Baushar while North Korea will play Jordan at the ROP Stadium, South Korea will face Yemen and the UAE will take on Syria at the Seeb Sports Stadium.
The tournament is the first edition of the U-22 championship and every alternate championship will serve as the Olympic qualifiers. Asian football powerhouse Japan are in the tough Group C which also features Australia, Iran and Kuwait while Iraq will meet Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and China in Group D. The tickets are priced at OMR1 for the general audience while the VIP tickets are priced at OMR5.
"We are looking forward to have a good number of fans at all the three stadiums. We urge everyone to come and support us in this event. This is a moment for us to celebrate and we request everyone to come and enjoy the tournament," he said.
The final will be held on January 26 at the SQSC in the presence of Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation.
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/teams-arrive-for-asian-showpiece/
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