The UAE made a strong start to their 27th Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Yemen at Al Inma Stadium in Jeddah on Thursday.
The win gave the UAE their first three points in Group B, which also includes Qatar and Bahrain, and marked a successful competitive debut for new head coach Zlatko Dalić.
The UAE controlled the match from the opening stages and created several chances before Nicolas Gimenez broke the deadlock in the 26th minute.
Their advantage was doubled in the 36th minute when Yemen defender Nader Sahal turned a cross from Marcus Meloni into his own net.
The UAE added a third before half-time through Luan Pereira, who finished a well-worked team move in the fourth minute of stoppage time to send his side into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Gimenez continued his impressive performance after the restart, scoring his second goal with a header to complete the 4-0 victory.
The result puts the UAE in a strong early position in Group B as they await the outcome of the other opening match between Qatar and Bahrain.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The UAE will next face Bahrain on Sunday, September 27, before completing their group-stage campaign against Qatar on September 30. The final is scheduled for October 6.
The UAE have won the Arabian Gulf Cup twice, in 2007 and 2013, and are seeking a third title in Jeddah.
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