Cockney Latic had their very own Mighty_Aff seeing Wigan Athletic play at the Seeb Stadium in Oman tonight, Here is an account of somebody who didn’t think in a million years he would get to see Latics play over there.
Been to the game, great atmosphere, people even doing the mexican wave. Good few thousand Omanis on there,and i did see at least 5 wigan shirts in and around the stadium. Strange set up, mobile Pizza Hut in the ground and a Dunkin Donuts, no tetleys or pies though.
Wigan arrived at the ground a little late, full police escort by guys with proper guns must have been a novelty for them, kick off delayed for about 30 min, but in this part o the world, thats punctual. They played in a totally white kit i had not seen before, with officials from the club going round the ground throwing scarfs and calenders etc into the crowd. The locals welcomed Al Habsi, they truly love him and he seemed overjoyed to be there.
Wigan had a pretty much full squad out there, apart from the keeper who played for both teams for a half. Di Santo played up front by himself for the first half with a decent shift from Stam and Moses being put in. The omanis are a good side, very fit and quick, giving Caldwell a tough time throughout the first half (he did not come out for the second, nor did Gomez).
With Al Habsi between the sticks for Oman, and Nicholls in goal for wigan the game was probably edged by Oman in the first half, with Nicholls pulling off two fantastic saves to keep it nil nil.
In the second half wigan went 1-0 up with Connor Salmon scoring a bit of a fortunate goal in the 49th minute. He did all the hard work well, beat the defender to the ball, hit a low shot that seemed to bobble up over the oman keepers dive.
Wigan were good value for their win though in the second half, and took control of the game with more measured passing and composure. It has to be said though that the omanis where up for it and certainly harried and chased everything.
The only downside for the night was Crusat, while he at times looked good with the ball at his feet, he was being knocked off it by guys little bigger than him. Rodellega also provided some great touches but seriously looks like he does not want to be there.
All in all, a very good night, Wigan has made some friends in Oman tonight, with the locals more than happy to see a Premier League club in the Capital.
Never thought i would get to see Wigan out here, but i took along some of the lads from work (Chelsea, Man Utd, Everton, Liverpool fans) and all had a great time – its a weird place is Muscat at times, but we gave a good account of ourselves. The game was free for fans, and to see the wigan players having the craic with the omani kids was great.
Successful trip in more ways than one.
Hopefully photos and video will follow.
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