MELBOURNE, Feb 27: Oman have sacked their Czech coach Milan Macala just over five months before embarking on their Asian Cup campaign, the Asian Football Confederation Web site reported on Tuesday.

The Oman Football Association said it had been disappointed with the team's performance in last month's Gulf Cup, where Oman lost to the UAE in the final in Abu Dhabi, and put local coach Hamad Al Azani in temporary charge.

Oman face Australia, hosts Thailand and Iraq in Group A of the Asian Cup starting in July.

Macala was appointed in 2002 and guided the gulf state to their maiden Asian Cup appearance in China in 2004 and twice led the side to runners-up spot in the Gulf Cup.

He was at the helm as Oman qualified for this year's AFC competition to be hosted in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Oman finished second in qualifying Group C behind the UAE.

The Asian Cup starts on July 7 and Oman open their campaign against Australia in Bangkok a day later.—Reuters