AFC Asian Cup 2019 Day 1 Recap: UAE snatch late points against unlucky Bahrain

The tournament opener saw its fair share of controversy with the referee awarding the hosts a dubious penalty.

History is being made in the AFC Asian Cup 2019. For the first time, 24 nations will be fighting for the coveted title. More teams means more entertainment. It could also lead to bigger twists.

Hosts United Arab Emirates drew 1-1 against a resurgent Bahrain in front of a packed house at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Whites created the first chance, when Ali Mabkhout set Ismail Al Hamadi free, only for the winger to have his shot saved.

Had the electric winger shown more composure in finding his free teammate in the box, things could’ve gone differently. The hosts slacked off after that, allowing Bahrain to bounce back into the game. The UAE picked up two cheap yellow cards at and around the half hour mark due to Amer Abdulrahman and Khamis Esmail’s errors.

Watch: United Arab Emirates 1-1 Bahrain highlights

However, had they been more wise, both cards could’ve been avoided. Or could they? Abdulrahman’s laziness in possession made him lose the ball and rather than tracking back, he sloppily brought down the Bahrain striker. Similarly, Esmail also made a cynical challenge after a long ball was played by Kamil Al-Aswad and could’ve done with not making the tackle.

The Reds sensed UAE’s faltering energy and pacy winger Ali Madan pounced upon it. He earned a free-kick outside the box, which was narrowly floated over by Al-Aswad. Had it dipped a bit lower, it was goalbound. Madar continued being a menace with his pace, while his thunderous shot caused Khalid Essa problems before the hour mark. Could the winger been cleverer in looking for the killer through-ball? Maybe.

Essa, however, had a You-Shall-Not-Pass attitude. He fumblingly thwarted everything and produced a Hollywood moment by rushing off his line to clear a ball. Does he need to be safer in collecting the ball? Probably! However, to his argument, his shot-stopping ability saved the Whites from doom on multiple occasions.

Alberto Zaccheroni's inspired double-substitution in the 54th minute changed the tempo. Out went Abdulrahman and the inefficient Khaflan Mubarak to be replaced by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Saif Rashid. The second one was especially inspirational, as Rashid change the complexion of the game.

The tricky winger had fun troubling the Reds' defence with his pace. He laid it on a plate for Mabkhout in the 68th minute, only for the otherwise clinical striker to blast it wide of the target. Had he taken a better touch and hit it straight rather than trying a curler, the game would’ve had a different outcome.

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Who could, after everything Essa had done, have predicted he’d make an error leading up to the goal? Not many. However, the UAE keeper couldn’t parry away a dangerous cross and after a chaotic moment, Mohamed Marzooq scored the first of the tournament. It seemed a disastrous start for the hosts was written in the stars.

Rashid later missed an easy chance thanks to the heroics of Hasheem. Should he have scored from less than 10 yards out? Definitely, had he not hurried his attempt. However, cometh the hour, cometh the man. When the UAE needed a hero, captain Ahmed Khali, playing in his 100th International appearance for the Whites, came to their rescue.

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After fighting hard in defence throughout, a handball from substitute Mohamed Marhoon gave the hosts a penalty. Was it even handball? It looked harsh, but Marhoon should’ve kept his hands aside. Khalil took the penalty with utmost confidence, blasting it into the net. Hasheem could’ve saved it, but Khalil’s moment seemed destined to happen.

In the end, both sides had a plethora of chances, ironically scoring thanks to touches of luck. The UAE had three shots on target, while Bahrain had five. The visitors would feel robbed, but was this a fair result? That’s debatable. This draw also gives renewed confidence to Thailand and India heading into their clash on Sunday. With both their rivals tied at the top of Group A on one point, a win for either can see them go top of the table after the first round.