However, with the tournament hosted by neighbours UAE and expanded to include a Round of 16, there are high hopes for Oman to make history, especially after their 2017 Gulf Cup triumph.
One of the Reds' brightest hopes in the attacking third is winger Jameel Al Yahmadi. The youngster was drafted into the first team in 2017 and grew into one of the nation's best attacking players.
Nationality: Oman
Date of birth: 27/07/1996
Position: Midfielder
Current club: Al Wakrah (Qatar)
Previous clubs: Al Shabab (Oman)
International Background
Al Yahmadi impressed for Oman in the 2018 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers, helping the team reach the finals, where they ultimately flattered to deceive, exiting at the group stage with no wins and no goals scored.
Nevertheless, the winger's promising displays prompted coach Pim Verbeek to hand him his senior debut at the end of 2017. The 22-year-old started all five matches as Oman were crowned 2018 Gulf Cup champions in Kuwait, defeating UAE in the final.
Style of play
A left-footed right-winger, Al Yahmadi's main strength is his technique and ability to carve out chances for himself or his teammates by cutting inside from the flank.
Pacey and skillful, Al Yahmadi uses his low centre of gravity - He is just 168 cm tall - to keep balance while changing direction at high speed. The Al Shabab man is capable of creating havoc in opposition's defences, and his direct running offers Oman a key outlet on the counter-attack.
What to look for
After securing qualification this year, Oman have now made it to four of the last five AFC Asian Cups, however, they failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament in all three previous occasions.
They are drawn in Group F with four-time champions Japan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, who will be their opening group rivals at the Sharjah Stadium on January 9.
The Reds could aim high against Turkmenistan who are yet to win a match in the Finals, but Al Yahmadi and co will need to get a result against Japan or Uzbekistan if they are to progress to the next round.
Where and when to watch him
Oman vs Uzbekistan
Venue: Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah
Kick-off: January 9, 17:30 UTC+4
Oman vs Japan
Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Kick-off: January 13, 17:30 UTC+4
Oman vs Turkmenistan
Venue: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Kick-off: January 17, 17:30 UTC+4
