There is anxiety and hope among the sultanate’s football fans as Oman takes on Bahrain in the Gulf Cup of Nations opener on Saturday.

With star player and captain Ali al Habsi absent from the championship, hopes are now pinned on Mazin al Kasbi, who many feel should replace the ace goalkeeper. Despite Oman’s coach Paul Le Guen describing Ali’s absence a big blow to the team’s chances, some say that Kasbi has done enough to be given a chance in this tournament.

Mohammed al Qanoobi, a commentator on Oman Sports Channel, said he expects the championship to be an interesting one and that Oman’s team has all it takes to win the tourney. “However, it is difficult to predict which side will win the Gulf Cup of Nations. The tournament is different than the World Cup qualifiers. Support from the media and audience play a significant role besides a team’s readiness. I think Oman’s team is at its best – physically, tactically and morally.”

Saeed al Kharusi, an avid football fan, is optimistic about the national team’s performance. He too expects the contest among the teams to be an exciting one.

“Oman, Qatar and Iraq are playing the World Cup qualifiers; Kuwait won the 2010 Gulf Cup and Saudi Arabia came back stronger. Oman’s team has a good combination of experienced and young players.”

Mudhafar al Rashdi, another football fan, said the team may face some trouble if one of the forwards is injured. Rashdi said Habsi’s absence will definitely affect the team because as a captain, he could have given it hope and confidence.

Qanoobi called Kasbi a promising goalkeeper. “Kasbi is a unique talent and he proved his capabilities in the West Asian Championship and the Olympic qualifiers. I am glad that he is playing in the Gulf Cup. I think we will witness a birth of a new star goalkeeper.”

Kharusi said fans should accept Habsi’s absence and trust and support Kasbi. He noted that Habsi had experienced the same situation in the 15th Gulf Cup, which Kasbi is facing now, and had come out shining.

Qanoobi said statistics put Oman as the stronger side, which has defeated Bahrain in the last five matches. He however said that the team needs to improve its attack. While Kharusi predicts a victory for Oman, Rashdi expects it to draw.