Khalifa Ayil Al-Naufli

Khalifa Ayil Salim Al-Noufali (; born 1 March 1984), commonly known as Khalifa Ayil, is an Omani footballer who plays for Bowsher Club in the Oman Professional League.

Club career

Khalifa began his career with Oman Club. He quickly became a first team player for the club and after some fantastic showings he moved to a new club Al-Riyadh based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He continued to make some impressive appearances and was quickly sought out by Qatari club Al-Sadd Sports Club which resulted in a promising deal at the club.

After his impressive appearances for Al-Sadd Sports Club, Europe soon came calling for the Omani international. At first he was wanted by Arsenal FC but Al-Sadd refused to deal with the club. He then went on a trial to Spain for Celta de Vigo where a potential loan deal could be sorted out. He fell out with the Al-Sadd management and board of directors by failing to give him his dream. It was mooted around that Celta wanted to take him first on loan with a view to playing him in the reserves and then consider a permanent transfer if the player was then eligible for a transfer to the Spanish club. However, he left Celta in August 2008 with his future very much up in the air.

In 2009, he joined top Saudi Arabian football team Al-Ittifaq. Later in the same year he came back to Qatar and signed a deal with Al-Ahli SC. In 2010, he played for Kuwaiti club Al-Kuwait SC and then after one year played for Al-Raed for almost one season. After successful stints at various clubs in the GCC he came back to his home country and signed a deal with Omani giants Dhofar. Just after one season in June 2013, Ayil signed a deal with Al-Nahda Club.

On 30 September 2014, he signed a one-year contract with Bowsher Club of the Oman Professional League.

Club career statistics

International career

Arabian Gulf Cup Amad has made appearances in the 16th Arabian Gulf Cup, the 17th Arabian Gulf Cup, the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup and the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup.

He scored a goal in the 17th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2004 in a 3-1 win over Iraq hence helping his country to reach the semi-finals and then the finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time. But Oman lost in the final to the hosts, Qatar in a penalty shootout after the goalkeeping sensation Ali Al-Habsi missed a penalty. Qatar won the match 6-5 on penalties after the match had ended 1-1 at normal time. Amad Al-Hosni was awarded with the "Top Goal Scorer" award of the competition.

AFC Asian Cup Khalifa has made appearances in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification, the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification.

He scored a goal in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification in a 1-2 loss against Australia. Oman failed to qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

FIFA World Cup qualification Khalifa has made five appearances in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification and five in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification.

He scored a brace in the second round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification in a 7-0 win over Singapore.

National team career statistics

Goals for senior national team Scores and results list Oman's goal tally first. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 9 June 2004 Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman 2–0 7–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2 9 June 2004 Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman 5–0 7–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 3 1 December 2004 Manama, Bahrain 2-0 3-2 Friendly 4 10 December 2004 Doha, Qatar 3-0 3-1 17th Arabian Gulf Cup 5 13 February 2006 Muscat, Oman 1-0 1-0 Friendly 6 21 November 2008 Muscat, Oman 2-1 2-2 Friendly 7 30 January 2008 Muscat, Oman 1-0 1-1 Friendly 8 15 November 2009 Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman 1-0 1-2 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification

Style of play Khalifa is naturally a centre-back, although he is a versatile player and can play as a defensive midfielder too. Due to his aggressiveness, he has had a few disciplinary problems in his career. He is known for his spectacular long range shooting skills which he has demonstrated at both the club and country level on a regular basis.

Honours

Club With Al-Kuwait Kuwait Crown Prince Cup (1): 2011 With Al-Nahda Oman Professional League (1): 2013-14 Sultan Qaboos Cup (0): Runner-up 2013