FORMER Malaysian international Lim Chiow Chuan admitted that Oman are still a developing team, and his players are not yet ready to play against the elites in the Asia Cup.
Oman, who recently won the Asia Cup qualifier, were thrashed 7-0 by Malaysia in their opening Group B match in Jakarta.
Chiow Chuan's side struggled to last the pace against the Speedy Tigers even though the Middle East team had parked the bus throughout the match.
"In Oman, I have 30 quality players to train, and these are the best we have for the Asia Cup. There is a big gap between the top and lower-ranked teams in Asia, so it's going to be uphill for a long time to come.
"This is because there are no proper development programmes in Oman, and coaches are appointed based on tournaments. I was appointed to qualify for the Asian Games and we achieved it.
"But after this, I don't expect a continuous development to run and scout for more players.
"There are no quality players in the junior ranks. Oman do not have a long-term development plan. The country has five artificial pitches," said Chiow Chuan.
For the record, Oman are ranked No 27 in the world. They have never qualified for the Olympics and World Cup.
Meanwhile, South Korea thrashed Bangladesh 6-1 in the other Group B match.
FIXTURES
TODAY
Group A: Pakistan v Indonesia (3pm), Japan v India (7.30pm);
Group B: Oman v Bangladesh (12.45pm), South Korea v Malaysia (5.15pm).
* Matches at GBK Stadium in Jakarta
** Malaysian time.