Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
In a dazzling show of skill and determination, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Hong Kong in their opening Group C match of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup on Sunday. The win marks a momentous stride for a team meticulously shaped under the astute leadership of Portuguese coach Paulo Bento.
At the Khalifa International Stadium, UAE scored the three goals with Sultan Al Ameri, Zayed Sultan, and Yahya Al Ghassani.
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.
From the outset, the UAE displayed a commanding performance, dictating the pace of the match and asserting control. Despite Hong Kong’s brief resurgence in the second half, equalizing through Siu Kwan Chan, the UAE swiftly regained the lead with goals from Zayed Sultan and a penalty expertly converted by Yahya Al Ghassani.
The conquest against Hong Kong seamlessly weaves into the intricate fabric of the UAE’s illustrious history in the Asian Cup. This marks the team’s eleventh foray into the tournament, with the ongoing campaign marking the sixth consecutive appearance.
Over the years, the team has weathered challenges and celebrated successes, most notably navigating their way to the semifinals in both 2015 and 2019. A historical highlight includes a commendable second-place finish when the UAE hosted the tournament in 1996, cementing their position as formidable contenders on the Asian football stage.
Coach Bento’s strategic prowess has been pivotal in rejuvenating the team, bringing forth a cohesive unit that blends experience with emerging talents.
The victory against Hong Kong serves as a testament to the meticulous planning and dedication instilled by Bento and his coaching staff.
“We are not merely competing; we are crafting a legacy,” stated Bento, emphasizing the team’s commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of success.
As the UAE national team basks in the glory of their initial triumph, the journey unfolds with a focus on future challenges and aspirations. The upcoming matches in the group stage and beyond will undoubtedly test the mettle of the squad, offering opportunities to build on the foundation laid in the opening encounter.
With an eye on the coveted Asian Cup title, the team remains driven by the collective vision of making history in Qatar 2023, a dream that has eluded them in recent editions. The stage is set for the UAE to etch another chapter in its football legacy, fueled by a rich past, a vibrant present, and a determination to shape an even more illustrious future.
Bento reiterated that the squad entered the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar without succumbing to undue pressure. His focus remains on maintaining positive results and enhancing the players’ performance levels.
Looking ahead to the encounter against Iran, Bento acknowledged it as one of the toughest matches for the UAE in the group, considering Iran’s strength and high physical fitness.
Goalkeeper Khaled Issa, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome in Qatar, emphasized the players’ commitment to delivering positive results, aiming to bring joy to the Emirati people. Issa highlighted the team’s respect for all participating teams, underscoring the crucial nature of the Hong Kong victory for advancing in the competition.
Emphasizing the importance of strong UAE fan support in the aftermath of the victory, Issa believes their presence will instill confidence and provide immense motivation for the players to continue giving their best and securing further victories.
“We’ve been working hard to build a cohesive and competitive squad. The players have shown great dedication, and it’s rewarding to see their efforts translate into success on the field,” remarked Bento.
“This victory is a positive sign, but we are aware that the journey is long and challenging. We are taking it one match at a time, always striving for improvement and excellence,” stressed Bento.
“Our ambition is to go beyond our previous achievements. We dream of clinching the Asian Cup title in Qatar 2023, a dream that eluded us in the last two editions. The team’s focus is on performing consistently and, hopefully, making history.”
UAE will target another win when they play Palestine on Thursday while Hong Kong will attempt to keep their hopes alive against Iran on Friday.
