The 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup has brought early success for Sektioui, who is taking charge of Oman in his first major tournament with the national team, as he reached the semifinals of the 2026 Gulf Cup after finishing second in Group A with four points from one win, one draw and one defeat.
Oman and Iraq finished level on four points and with the same goal difference of -1, sending the two teams to the traditional draw to determine second place. Oman eventually came out on top and advanced to the last four.
Oman will face the winner of Group B in the semifinals. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are both on six points and will be separated on Wednesday to determine the group winner.
Oman have won the Arabian Gulf Cup twice in their history, lifting the trophy in 2009 and again in 2018.
