RIYADH: Saudi national football team coach Roberto Mancini on Wednesday named his squad for a training camp ahead of two Asian qualification matches against Tajikistan later this month.
The Green Falcons begin training in Riyadh on Sunday in preparation for the third and fourth rounds of the second stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia will host the Tajikistan national team in Riyadh’s Al-Awaal Park Stadium on March 21, while the away match will be played on March 26 at Central Stadium in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.
The 28 players named by Mancini for the training camp are Mohammed Al-Owais, Ahmed Al-Kassar, Raghed Al-Najjar, Mohammed Al-Yammi, Saud Abdulhamid, Fawaz Al-Sugor, Ali Albulayhi, Ali Lajami, Awn Al-Saluli, Hassan Kadish, Waleed Al-Ahmad, Rayan Hamed, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Muteb Al-Harbi, Aiman Yahya, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Mukhtar Ali, Abdulelah Al-Maliki, Mohammed Kanno, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Abbas Al-Hassan, Sami Al-Najei, Salem Al-Dawsari, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Abdullah Radif, Feras Al-Brikan and Saleh Al-Shehri.
The Green Falcons are in group seven of the qualifiers, alongside Jordan, Tajikistan and Pakistan. They top the group on six points after wins against Pakistan and Jordan.
Green Falcons training ahead of Tajikistan qualification matches
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Green Falcons training ahead of Tajikistan qualification matches
- Saudi Arabia preparing for 3rd and 4th rounds of second stage Asian qualifiers for 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Asian Cup
- Side hosts Tajikistan in Riyadh on March 21, with away match on March 26 in Dushanbe
Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open
- The 26-year-old from Delhi set a new course record of 8-under 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club
RIYADH: India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with a new course record of 64 (8-under) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.
The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.
In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65.
Meanwhile, rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.
Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for regional talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.
Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players.
Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”
“I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal,” he added. “It’s a four-round tournament, day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”
Saudi Arabia players are still in contention as they progress into day two.
Shergo Al-Kurdi said: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”
He added: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”
