The UAE survived a second-half scare to secure a 3-1 victory against Hong Kong in the Group C clash for the AFC Asian Cup.
The Emiratis struck first in the 34th minute, with Sultan Adil coolly converting a penalty to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, Hong Kong refused to be daunted. Just after the restart, Chan Siu Kwan pounced on a loose ball to equalise, injecting a jolt of excitement into the match.
Undeterred, the UAE pushed back with renewed vigour. Zayed Al Zaabi restored their lead with a precise strike, and late on, Yahya Al-Ghassani sealed the victory with another penalty, sending the UAE off to a winning start in their quest for Asian glory.


Kerr’s unbeaten 179 powers New Zealand to record ODI chase against South Africa
Iraq qualify for World Cup with win over Bolivia
DR Congo score extra-time winner to qualify for World Cup
Brazil score twice late on to beat Croatia 3-1 in World Cup tune-up
Italy, Denmark miss out on World Cup after shootout defeats
