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.


England beat New Zealand to keep Pakistan's T20 World Cup hopes alive
Medvedev to face Griekspoor in bid for second Dubai title
Real Madrid face Man City again in Champions League knockouts
India defeat Zimbabwe to revive T20 World Cup hopes
Auger-Aliassime sets Medvedev semifinal in Dubai