ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain settled for a 1-1 draw with late goals lighting up their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group A opener at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

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Mohamed Al Rohaimi gave Bahrain the lead with 12 minutes remaining but UAE’s Ahmed Khalil responded with a powerful penalty to give the home side their first point of the competition.

The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 kicked off in style today with a grand opening ceremony at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital. Football fans were treated to a breathtaking live show with a series of on-pitch music performances in a fitting tribute to Asia’s crown jewel.

Thailand and India go head-to-head in Group A on Sunday as both teams aim to start their campaign on a winning note at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The two teams are making a welcome return to the Continental showpiece, with India last appearing in 2011 and Thailand four years earlier.

The Socceroos claimed their first-ever AFC Asian Cup title on home soil in 2015 but, with a rejuvenated squad and a new man at the helm, head coach Graham Arnold was quick to stress he and his players are focused only on what lies ahead.

Syria’s head coach Bernd Stange is taking nothing for granted against Palestine who are equally confident of collecting three points when the sides meet in their AFC Asian Cup Group B opener at Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.

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