KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to draw more fans to the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman will be giving away six cars to lucky supporters during their World Cup Group D qualifier against Harimau Malaya on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Oman Football Association (OFA) announced attractive lucky draw prizes, including six brand new cars, to encourage attendance and hopes for a packed 28,000-capacity stadium.
OFA chairman Shaikh Salim al Wahaibi expressed his optimism for a strong turnout.
"We will reward the fans with lucky draw prizes, including six cars, for supporting their national team."
"We highly appreciate the efforts made by the fans. They are an integral part of the collective efforts to ensure the success of the team, especially in the World Cup qualifiers," he said in a press statement.
He added: "Fans have the right to be disappointed with negative results. It shows they are passionate about football and love their national team.
"We appreciate all fan reactions as the team enter a new football phase under a new coach."
Led by their newly appointed coach Jaroslav Silhavy, world No. 80 Oman hope to secure their second World Cup qualifying victory against an inspired Harimau Malaya on Thursday.
The Red Warriors started their qualifying Group D campaign with a 3-0 win over Taiwan but suffered a 1-0 loss to Kyrgyzstan.
OFA replaced former coach Croatian Branko Ivankovic after their poor performance in last month's Asian Cup in Doha, where they lost 2-1 to the United Arab Emirates and drew 0-0 and 1-1 against Thailand and Kyrgyzstan.