The UAE created the chances to prevent a frustrating start to their Gulf Cup defence, according to coach Mahdi Ali.
The Whites stuttered to a 0-0 draw with Oman at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Although they registered 19 attempts, only a pair from Al Ahli winger Ismail Al Hammadi ever looked like beating the outstanding Ali Al Habsi.
This toothless form continues a worrying spell for the UAE which stretches to the start of the summer friendlies against Norway at the end of August.
Ali did not appear unduly worried in his post-match press conference in the Saudi capital, insisting this weakness would be corrected in their next Group B fixture against Kuwait on Monday.
“We got more opportunities than Oman, and did not use them,” he said.
“This was our first game in the tournament, and I wish the best for Oman in the coming matches.
“We have two games remaining, and we will make sure that we offer the two most powerful and best performances.”
The UAE’s options going forward should improve after key playmaker Omar Abdulrahman and forward Ismail Matar received run outs after injury.
Ali said: “Matar made a good match, and I wish for the evolution of his performances to be quick. We are pleased as he has recently return from injury, but his fitness was not up to 100% yet.
“Omar Abdulrahman had not played [competitively] for a long time. He had not been subjected to the pressures defensively or offensively.
“He had a declining level in the second half, as a result of his fitness. We preferred he completed the game to be more ready for the next match against Kuwait.”
Meanwhile, Oman boss Paul Le Guen claimed his side were the victims of a “huge mistake” from the referee after being denied a second-half penalty.
Referee Marai Al Awaji declined to point to the spot when midfielder Khamis Esmail appeared to fell Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali – though replays showed that the UAE man got the ball.
“We could have done better, but I’m quite OK with the result,” the ex-Glasgow Rangers and Lyon boss stated.
“I’m only frustrated with the bad decision of the referee, because we should have got a penalty.
“It’s a huge mistake and we have to be aware of that. We have to get to the point where we have a good referee who gives a penalty when there is a foul in the box.”
