The UAE’s preparations for the Asian Cup began on a victorious note after Haboush Saleh struck a late winner in their opening friendly against Jordan yesterday.
The recalled Bani Yas winger lashed in the only goal from outside the area on 84 minutes to see off their Middle Eastern opponents.
Gulf Cup top scorer Ali Mabkhout then shot into the side netting after rounding substitute goalkeeper Moataz Yassin as the Whites finished with a flourish on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The victory could have been even more comfortable against opponents who lost a World Cup 2014 Intercontinental Play-off against Uruguay last year, Al Ahli striker Ahmed Khalil seeing a first-half penalty saved by the excellent Amer Shafi.
There was still no sign of injured playmaker Omar Abdulrahman, with Majed Nasser edging Khalid Essa to start in goal.
The UAE play Kuwait on January 3 before their Group C campaign kicks off against Qatar on January 11 in Canberra.
“The team came out a range of benefits including the distinctive appearance of the two goalkeepers Majed Nasser and Khaled Issa,” UAE coach Mahdi Ali said. “We must now focus on the position of the first game against Qatar as a win is the key that will lead the Whites to the next round.”
Meanwhile, Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu’s loan stint with Saudi Arabia started with a worrying 4-1 friendly defeat to Bahrain.
