AL RAYYAN: United Arab Emirates began their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023Group C campaign with a 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the defeat, Hong Kong scorer Philip Chan Siu Kwan etched his name in AFC Asian Cup history by scoring the 1,000th goal of the continental showpiece.
Hong Kong - the lowest-ranked team in the competition - displayed plenty of attacking intent early on with several long-range attempts but Khalid Eisa in the UAE goalmouth was mostly untroubled.
Everton Camargo squandered a decent opportunity just before the 10-minute mark when, despite having teammates on either side, chose to go for glory himself only to find his attempt blocked.
The tie took a significant turn in the 31st minute when Hong Kong centre-back Oliver Gerbig was adjudged to have handled Sultan Adil’s shot inside the box with Adil converting from the spot to give UAE the lead.
Hong Kong hit the ground running after the break and were rewarded with Chan drawing them level in the 50th minute, slotting home a stunning cross from Everton.
With the equaliser, Hong Kong etched their name in AFC Asian Cup for a second time as the occasion marked not only their first goal since Chang Chi Kong’s effort in 1956 (the first-ever in the competition), but it was also the 1,000th goal of the continental showpiece.
However, the Dragons’ joy was short lived as UAE regained the lead in the very next minute.
Despite blocking Abdalla Ramadan’s right footed attempt from outside the box, Hong Kong veteran goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai could do little when the rebound was collected by Zayed Sultan who tucked the ball into the centre of the net.
Hong Kong responded by making several offensive changes, notably with 19-year-old forward Michael Udebuluzor replacing defender Yue Tze Nam but a second UAE penalty in added time saw substitute Yahya Al Ghassani slotting home for the points.
UAE will target another win when they play Palestine on Thursday while Hong Kong will attempt to keep their hopes alive against Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday.