Muscatdaily - Oman's U22 Olympic team will host Iran in a friendly match in Muscat on October 11, according to the Oman Football Association (OFA) on Monday.

The Oman team, coached by Frenchman Philippe Burle, faces a major challenge early next year when it competes in the AFC U22 Championship, to be held in Muscat. The competition will be played from January 11-26.

Iran is one of 16 teams that have qualified for the event and the October 11 friendly is part of the OFA's plans to help Oman prepare for the championship.

Oman has been pooled in Group A along with Jordan, South Korea and Myanmar, while Iran is in Group C that also comprises Japan, Australia and Kuwait.

Burle told Muscat Daily, “Eight of my players had toured with the senior national team to the UK after the GCC tournament and all of them are currently playing in the OPL. We have asked for a few more matches as we prepare for the AFC event. Iran is a strong team and we hope to benefit from the friendly match.”